Dear Breckenridge Families, 

We had great participation at our Wednesday School Board Discussion and Thursday's Referendum Presentation last week. We're looking forward to the virtual Referendum Presentation taking place at 7:00 p.m. via Google Meet on Wednesday, October 13. Visit the News and Events page for more information. It has been wonderful getting to connect with community members on what makes them proud of this community and this school district. Today’s email will take a little closer look at what each question on the ballot will address.

Question One - Renew and Increase the Operating Levy
The operating levy approved in 2013 was primarily used to address the most critical facility needs at both the elementary and high school. It also has helped our district to implement our technology program, keep class sizes low, maintain programming, and serve our students every day.

The levy would provide a sustainable funding source for technology and technology infrastructure, as well as help maintain low class sizes and continue to provide excellent educational opportunities. More on Question 1

Question Two - New Single-Site PreK-12 Building 
Question Two proposes a new single PreK-12 building. It will include a new bus garage and transportation hub as well to be located on the same site. Constructing a single-site campus will allow the district to have a consolidated presence with elementary, middle, and high school students all reporting to a single campus. The site would also contain a larger gym with a walking track that could be used by community members of all ages during non-school hours. More on Question 2

Question Three - Multi-Purpose Arena with Seasonal Ice Rink
Question Three proposes a multi-purpose single sheet ice arena to be connected to the new PreK-12 facility. The multi-purpose arena would be used for physical education classes across all grade levels as well as for the girls and boys high school hockey teams. When not in use by the district, open ice time will be made available to local hockey associations and for community use. The arena would double the number of ice sheets available to the Wahpeton-Breckenridge area. More on Question 3

Please continue to reach out with questions and to get more information and thank you to those who have already cast their vote.

If you have any additional questions, you can contact me at 218-643-6822 or by email at [email protected]

Sincerely,
Superintendent Brad Strand
“If the referendum is approved by voters, the state of Minnesota would pay for nearly half the cost of a new school. It is a very rare opportunity for anyone to pay for half of a project of this size.”
Bruce Yaggie, Farmer, Breckenridge 
Calculate Your Tax Impact
You can calculate the tax impact on your property via the online tax calculator provided by Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. There are additional resources to find your tax impact. Agricultural properties will see a savings due to the Ag2School Tax Credit increasing to 60% this year. 

Thanks to the Ag2School Tax Credit, 49% of the total project will be paid by state aid.
Community Meetings
Superintendent Brad Strand will be holding public meetings with a presentation to provide more information about the referendum and the needs of our district.

Check the times and dates below - we hope you will join us at a meeting.
Referendum Presentations
  • Wednesday, October 13 - Virtual Meeting @ *7:00 p.m. via Google Meet Or dial: ‪(US) +1 256-743-3599‬ PIN: ‪315 257 738‬# (*updated time)
  • Thursday, October 28 @ Breckenridge Elementary School board room @ 6:00 p.m.
City Council Meetings
  • Tuesday, October 12 @ Doran City Hall @ 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 13 @ Wolverton City Hall @ 6:15 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 20 @ Kent Community Center @ 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 26 @ Foxhome City Hall @ 8:00 p.m.