Frequently Asked Questions

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Badger Community School will ask voters to consider a three-question referendum to fix serious problems with our building and avoid major cuts in the years ahead:

• Question One asks voters to consider a $5.34 million investment in critical, overdue building repairs and accessibility improvements in our school.

• Question Two seeks a $100,000 operating levy to help stabilize our budget and protect our staffing levels, classroom programs, and services. 

• Question Three proposes a $11.24 million investment to expand and improve learning spaces, including for special education, career and technical programs, and physical education. This question can only pass if both Question One and Question Two also pass.

For more information, visit the Plan page.

• If Question One is approved, it would allow us to complete critical, overdue building repairs and keep our school safe, comfortable, and accessible for all students. 

• If Question Two is approved, it would be used to stabilize our budget, prevent major cuts, and protect the staff, programs, and services our students rely on to succeed.

• If Question Three is approved, it would expand and improve learning spaces, including space for classrooms, special education, music, career and technical education (CTE) programs, multipurpose gym space, and a student commons area.

In Minnesota, voters decide whether school districts can increase property taxes to pay for the bonds used for renovating and constructing school buildings. Like a loan on a car or mortgage on a house, the bonds need to be repaid over time plus interest.

An operating levy is a voter‑approved property tax that provides a local source of funding for a school district’s operating budget — the money used to run schools every day. This funding supports teachers and staff, classroom supplies, academic and extracurricular programs, utilities, and routine building maintenance.

• If only Question One passes: Major building issues would be addressed, but budget gaps and learning space challenges would remain.

• If Question One and Question Two pass: Building infrastructure and budget issues would be addressed, but learning spaces would not be improved. 

• If all questions fail: The school can’t fix its aging infrastructure and may need to cut staff or programs to balance its annual budget. Learning space improvements won’t happen, and building problems will get worse over time, increasing inefficiencies and maintenance costs.

Badger Community School started a facility planning process in 2022 with help from ICS. The process included building inspections, population studies, reviews of classroom needs, budget checks, and feedback from the public. Teachers, staff, and community members took part in surveys and meetings to help set priorities.

After two of three ballot questions failed during the 2024 referendum last November, we worked with the school board, staff and the community to refine the proposed plan. The result is a three-question referendum this fall, giving voters clear choices for how future tax dollars should support education in Badger—from building repairs and budget stability to expanded learning spaces. 

For more information, visit the Process page.

Yes. In 2024, voters passed an operating levy that helped us avoid an immediate financial crisis and cuts to staff and programs. However, major building problems remain, and our growing budget deficit still threatens the high-quality education our students deserve. That’s why Badger Community School is proposing another referendum this November — to tackle our biggest challenges.

Investing in the future of our district is a long-term investment in our community. Strong schools help attract and keep families in our area, support local businesses, and protect property values. Our school is also a hub for community events, athletics, and activities that bring people together. When our facilities are safe, accessible, and well-maintained — and when our programs, services, and staffing remain strong — it strengthens our overall quality of life.