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BL residents OK all three school levies [UPDATED]
Published 9:52am Wednesday, November 7, 2012 Updated 11:54am Wednesday, November 7, 2012Battle Lake School officials are having a busy morning responding to congratulatory calls and emails. All three school referendums passed in Tuesday’s election.
“Spirits are very high here,” said Jeff Drake, District Superintendent. “The funding is going to protect some very important pieces to education here.”
Funds from the capital projects levy will be used to update the districts school bus and van fleet, ensure funds are available for roof replacement, and update classroom technology and curricula. Two operating levies will maintain current programs and restore some of what has been cut.
“It was critical to get this funding for our capital and technology needs and to stabilize programs,” said Drake.
The Battle Lake School District requested taxpayer support in last year’s election, but the referendum did not pass. The district had already cut back programs and staff. The district had not received levy support since 1992, and was well below the state average for per pupil funding.
Good voter turnout helped, with over 2600 people casting votes for these ballot issues.
Question 1, regarding capital funds passed with 59 percent of the vote. Question 2, the operating levy to maintain current programs passed with 55 percent. Question 3, which restores some cut programs, could only pass if question 2 passed. It had the narrowest margin, with 53 percent voting yes, and 47 percent voting no.
“I am really happy but also really, really grateful for our community’s belief in the school and our kids education,” said Drake.
