VOTERS APPROVE REFERENDUM QUESTION!

On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, Battle Lake voters approved the one-question bond referendum in the amount of $30,520,000 for facility and learning environment improvements.


Following the vote, the unofficial election results are: 720 YES (56%) and 567 NO (44%).


“The passing of the bond referendum reflects our shared commitment to providing the best education and experience for our students, staff, and community. Thank you.” said Superintendent Rob Nudell. 


Nudell continued, “This investment will allow us to continue to offer the exceptional education our community expects, and our students deserve.”


Next steps include continued design and engineering work with our project partner SitelogIQ. 


The district will continue to keep the community informed on the progress of current and future facility projects.

Battle Lake Public Schools calls for an election on November 7, 2023 to authorize 20-year general obligation bond funds in an amount not to exceed $30,520,000 for facility and learning environment improvements.

BALLOT QUESTION

Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 542 (Battle Lake Public Schools) be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $30,520,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including replacement of windows, exterior doors and portions of the roof, and sealing the building envelope; the construction of a secure entrance and vestibule; the construction and installation of new mechanical heating, ventilation and cooling equipment, and electrical infrastructure; the replacement of failed sanitary lines; the replacement of the boiler plant; the completion of ADA accessibility improvements at school sites and facilities; renovations and upgrades to the dining commons and cafeteria; renovations and updates to the career and technical education shops, classrooms and digital lab; remodeling to repurpose existing school spaces, including converting space into an events concessions area with a warming kitchen and converting the computer lab into a technical maker space; the construction and equipping of an addition to the existing school site to provide music rooms, a weight room, new ADA restrooms, changing rooms, and a receiving area; the construction and installation of a fire alarm system; and external improvements and repairs to parking surfaces?

PROJECT SCOPE

HEALTH & SAFETY

FUTURE-READY LEARNING 

BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS

EFFICIENCY UPGRADES

OPEN HOUSE
INFO NIGHTS

6:30-8:00 P.M.

Join us for an informational open house! Tour the school, ask questions regarding the November 7, 2023 Referendum question, and more!

October 2, 2023

Battle Lake Public Schools Gymnasium

402 Summit St. W.

Battle Lake, MN 56515

October 11, 2023

Battle Lake Public Schools Gymnasium

402 Summit St. W.

Battle Lake, MN 56515

DID YOU KNOW?

Maintaining School Buildings

Maintaining school infrastructure is crucial for safety, quality education, community engagement, and efficient operations. It extends facility lifespan, ensures compliance, and supports environmental responsibility, benefiting students, staff, and the community for many years to come. It allows Battle Lake Public Schools to follow through with the district vision on being the RIGHT School... RIGHT Time... RIGHT Choice.

Community Pride

Strong schools equals strong communities. Making Battle Lake Public Schools a top priority is key to our community's economic success. When we invest in schools, we help create jobs and opportunities for all residents. By giving schools the resources they need to improve, we can make sure that our students receive the best education needed to prepare them for future careers. When we focus on schools, we are building a strong foundation for a successful future for the community of Battle Lake.

Fiscal Responsibility

Battle Lake Public Schools is one of the 22 out of 331 total school districts in Minnesota with no current debt. Tax relativity for Battle Lake Schools is lower than surrounding school districts and will remain in the lower half if a bond is passed. When a school district is responsible with money it can improve the quality of education, maintain school buildings, and create a safe and secure place to learn.


Sustainability

With the increase of work-from-home careers, northern Minnesota tourist locations such as Battle Lake are becoming destinations for families to move to. Maintaining our school and improving our student programing will attract families from afar. Ensuring the success of our community means we must prioritize and invest in the development and enhancement of schools as they play a critical role in shaping the future of our citizens, fostering a knowledgeable workforce, and creating a sense of unity and pride.

CONCEPTUAL FLOORPLAN

CLICK TO VIEW ▼

CONCEPTUAL RENDERINGS

CLICK TO VIEW ▼

CAFETERIA COMMONS

BAND ROOM

WEIGHT ROOM

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

Click on the dates below to view the timeline details

AUG.  2022 

Comprehensive Facilities Assessment conducted by SitelogIQ to assess physical, educational, and functional needs

NOV. 2022

The Community Engagement process begins and the Community Facility Advisory Committee is formed


DEC. 2022

Facility Assessment Review is presented to the school board and District administration

FEB.  2023 

Comprehensive Review including prioritizations, project scenarios, and potential costs is presented to the school board and administration

FEB. 2023

Community Facility Advisory Committee reports their findings from facility tours and meetings (engineers, financial advisors, administration) as well as results from the community-wide survey 

APR. 2023

School Board begins workshopping potential facility solutions and projects

JUL. 2023

The School Board passes a resolution committing to move forward with a November 7, 2023 Referendum

NOV . 2023

Referendum election