2020 BOND REFERENDUM
VOTE APRIL 14, 2020
The Benson Public School Board is asking voters to approve a $1.5 million bond referendum on April 14, 2020, to pay for the construction of a new multipurpose activity space.
SPECIAL ELECTION COVID-19 UPDATE
In response to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Benson Public Schools wants to keep you informed about the upcoming 2020 Bond Referendum Special Election. The decision to postpone or cancel a special election is one that is made by the State of Minnesota Governor’s Office and at this time a cancellation has NOT been made. Cancellation or postponement cannot be decided by the School District alone. At this time, the Special Election WILL still take place on April 14, 2020 as planned. We appreciate your support during these uncertain times. Learn about your options for voting here:
Voting Options
Benson Public Schools highly recommends requesting an absentee ballot and voting by mail.
REFERENDUM OVERVIEW
BUILDING PLANS AND FEATURES
Plans call for an 11,800 square foot steel building located on campus east of the football field. The facility will include a multipurpose activity space, a gymnastics pit, locker rooms, restrooms, equipment storage space, and a lobby. The space is designed with flexibility and the possibility of future expansion in mind to position our community for the greatest long-term value.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACTIVITY SPACE
Part of the Benson Public School mission is to maximize resources to ensure that our students leave us as well-rounded graduates. While the academic experience is our top priority, we have always taken great pride in our extra-curricular offerings because they are important to helping students grow intellectually, socially and emotionally. Studies have shown there are strong positive correlations between academic achievement and student involvement.
THE NEED FOR NEW ACTIVITY SPACE
The current activity space used by Benson Public Schools Athletic Programs in the Benson City Armory is undersized and a liability concern for School District. In addition, its availability to the District in the future is uncertain.
THE USE OF NEW ACTIVITY SPACE
The new activity space is designed as a multipurpose space that will be used many Benson School District athletic teams and school programs. The space will also be the primary practice and competition space for the gymnastics program.
In addition, the new facility provides increased opportunities to host gymnastics competitions, athletic training camps and other programming that draw people into our community and provide potential to raise additional revenue for the School District and businesses in our community.
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT
Pursuing a bond referendum makes this levy eligible for the Ag2School tax credit, which will significantly reduce the tax burden for our residents. Estimates show that if the bond is passed this year, nearly 51% of the debt service will be paid by state aid. Learn more about the tax impact below.
VOTING
The 2020 Referendum Vote will take place during a Special Election on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. The polls will be open at the Benson City Armory from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Absentee ballots are available through the Swift County Auditor’s Office.
INFORMATION MEETING
Join us to learn more about this important community project and vote.
Monday, March 23, 2020
Benson High School Cafeteria
7:00 p.m.
ADDITIONAL REFERENDUM RESOURCES
Voting Options
Click to View Referendum Fact Sheet
Click to View 2020 Referendum Tax Impact Table
Click to View Frequently Asked Questions
Click to View Sample Special Election Ballot
Click to See Tax Impact
Click to View Public Meeting Presentation
Click to Ask A Question About the Bond
Prepared and paid for by ISD 777.