Anoka Times

On Nov. 8, our Osseo Area Schools community will determine the long-term direction of school safety, learning and technology. Get informed and vote! 

There are two ways to vote: 

• Option 1: Vote early this week, Saturday or Monday. Locations and hours are as follows: 
  • Brooklyn Center City Hall from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday
  • Brooklyn Park City Hall from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday
  • Corcoran City Hall from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday
  • Dayton City Hall from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Friday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday
  • Maple Grove Government Center from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday
  • Osseo City Hall from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7:30-11:30 a.m., Friday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday
  • Plymouth City Hall from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday
  • Rogers Community Room from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday
• Option 2: Vote on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Find your voting location by entering your address at MNVotes.org.

Remember, you’ll see the two school funding questions near the end of your ballot:  

• Question 1 focuses on the operating levy, which pays for day-to-day learning and instructional needs. If approved by voters, it would provide an additional $7 million annually to continue and expand:
  • Individualized learning
  • Academic interventions
  • Scholar mental health needs 
  • Other critical classroom supports
• Question 2 focuses on the technology levy, which pays for classroom learning technology, infrastructure systems and needed support staff. If approved by voters, it would provide an additional $2.3 million to also prioritize: 
  • School safety and security technology
  • Tools and systems for all scholars
  • Digital learning spaces at school

If both requests are approved by voters, the tax impact on the average homeowner ($250,000 value home) would be $9 per month. Visit district279.org/BetterFuture to calculate the specifics for your residence or property. 

So what happens if the referendum fails? If questions one and two aren’t approved by voters, $5 million would need to be cut in 2023-24 and then $49 million (450 staff members cut) in 2024-25. Results: insufficient safety/security, increased class sizes and diminished academic support to name a few.

For additional information watch the short overview video, visit district279.org/BetterFuture, email BetterFuture@district279.org or call 763-391-8990. 

Thank you for your continued efforts in sharing Building a Better Future information with family, friends and neighbors.

Original source can be found here.