For the past 18 months, we have engaged in heartfelt and thoughtful discussions about the needs of our school facilities. Our current PK-7 building holds a rich history, with sections that have stood for nearly 100 years. While we cherish our past, we must also recognize the challenges we face today. The building’s multiple levels create accessibility issues for many, and our classrooms, with aging casework and limited electrical capacity, struggle to support modern learning and technology needs. Our plumbing systems are failing. Additionally, our high school requires crucial updates, including improvements to the HVAC system and enhancements to the entrance to ensure a safer, more secure environment for our students and staff.
In November, we presented a plan to address these pressing concerns, but it did not receive the majority support needed from voters. While we fully respect the outcome, the reality remains: our needs have not disappeared. We deeply value the perspectives of our community, and as we look ahead, we are again seeking your input through a survey. Your feedback will help us understand which aspects of the previous proposal did not resonate and guide us in determining the best path forward for investing in our facilities. Given the age and condition of our schools, standing still is not an option.
The survey is now available online at http://bit.ly/2025BlueEarthSurvey. You can also find the link on the district’s website, www.beaschools.org. For those who prefer a paper copy, there is an option to download and print the survey or you can call our offices and we would be happy to mail you a paper copy. Postcards with a QR code to complete the survey should also arrive in your mailboxes within a week.
The survey will remain open until March 1, and we encourage you to take a few moments to share your thoughts. Your voice truly matters. Together, we can shape the future of our schools and ensure that our students have the safe, supportive, operational, and inspiring learning environments they deserve.