As the Superintendent, I wish everyone health and safety as we work together to continue the learning process during this time.

I know that school facilities may not be the first thing on everyone’s mind, while COVID-19 causes our school buildings to be empty, but we expect that school will be back in session after this crisis has passed, and life returns to normal. When that happens, students will return to the School District’s facilities.

Byron School District’s May 12th bond referendum related to the District’s facilities will go forward as scheduled unless it is canceled or postponed by State or Federal authorities. The District is committed to ensuring that residents can cast their ballots while complying with coronavirus-related guidance. Information will be distributed about efforts to help keep voters safe at the District’s polling place, but voters are encouraged to consider voting by mailed absentee ballot. Absentee ballots are available now, and more information is available here.

In compliance with COVID-19 directives, public meetings about this referendum have been canceled. The District will re-schedule public meetings about this referendum if it becomes possible to do so. Even if the District is not permitted to conduct public meetings, the District intends to make sure that voters have accurate factual information about the referendum.

I want to make sure that you, the voters, make an informed decision about this referendum on May 12th. If you have questions, please reach out to me and I will do my best to get the information to you.

With that in mind, please stay safe, take care of yourself and others, and remember to vote on or before May 12th.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

joey.page@byron.k12.mn.us

507-775-2383

We have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to designate a new polling place for the School District Special Election on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Byron City Hall had been designated as the combined polling place for all voters in the Special Election, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 205A.11, subdivision 2. Byron City Hall does not provide sufficient space to permit voters and election administration officials to comply with the COVID-19 related social distancing guidelines set forth by State and Federal public health officials.

Therefore, the School District Clerk has determined that an emergency, as that term is defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.175, subdivision 1, exists that requires the designation of a new polling place.

The School District Clerk has identified Byron School District Middle School, 601 4th St. NW, Byron, MN 55920, as the new combined polling place for the Special Election. The Middle School complies with the polling place requirements set forth in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.175, subdivision 2, and section 204B.16, subdivisions 4 and 5, and provides adequate space for compliance with social distancing requirements during the Special Election.

I hope as many people as possible will take advantage of the opportunity to use absentee ballots ahead of time. I encourage you to request an absentee ballot as soon as possible to ensure that your vote is counted. You can request an absentee ballot by mail, by email, by fax, or in-person. A form for requesting an absentee ballot is available on the District’s referendum website.

Click here: http://bit.ly/531_Voting_Information

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

Several jurisdictions are holding special elections on May 12. State law does not allow these jurisdictions to cancel these elections, and under the Governor’s Stay at Home Order, Minnesotans are allowed to leave their home to cast a ballot. In order to ensure that voters can cast a ballot in as safe a manner as possible, jurisdictions are following CDC guidelines on polling place safety.

Voters in a jurisdiction holding a May 12 special election should make use of the Secretary of States resources to ensure that they can cast a ballot and protect the health of both their self and election judges.