Over the summer, we completed renovations of the high school media center and old wing of Independendence Elementary STEM.

At the high school, the old media center has turned into a new collaborative center and exploration lab. This space features flexible work spaces, makerspaces, a dedicated online room, and is complete with modern technology, equipment, and furnishings. 

At Independence, the old wing of the building was remodeled to include modern technology, equipment, and furnishings. We also completed the framework for the new district office, which will relocate to Independence in October to make room for the new fitness center.

High School

Independence Elementary STEM

Nov. 17, 2022

• Remodeling of the Media Center to create a 21st Century space for Innovation (projected to open Fall 2023)
• Creating an all-new Fitness Center in the current district office space (projected to open Spring 2024)

• Remodeling the Media Center to further support STEM and literacy 
• Creating new STEM support spaces
• Updating ventilation systems and replacing aging finishes and fixtures (lighting, flooring, cabinets and visual display boards) in the 1980´s portion of the building.

1. High School
2. Independence Elementary STEM

March 25

March 17

March 11

Liberty Elementary Projects

Independence Elementary STEM Projects

Middle School Projects

High School Projects

Media Center Improvements (all buildings): The media centers in all 4 buildings will be improved to meet 21st Century learning needs. Spaces will contain multi-purpose rooms, maker spaces, areas for groups of all sizes, and include high-density storage where appropriate. The new spaces will include right-size quantity of book stacks per grade level(s) and should account for 1:1 devices and repurpose computer labs where appropriate. Spaces will contain contemporary amenities, technology, and equipment.

Flexible Learning Spaces Additions (all buildings): New spaces will be added in all 4 buildings for independent, flexible, and personalized learning, including space for students in-between classes and when online learners are in-person. Spaces will contain contemporary amenities, technology, and equipment.

Roof Replacements (Liberty, Middle School, High School): The roofs at Liberty, the Middle School, and the High School, which are past their life cycles and are in poor physical condition, will be replaced.

Building Control System Replacements (Liberty, Independence, High School): The outdated and difficult to maintain building control systems at Liberty, Independence, and the High School will be replaced.

District Office Relocation/New High School Fitness Center: The district office will be moved to Independence Elementary STEM. The current district office will be made into a new fitness center/weight room with contemporary amenities and equipment.

New and Improved CTE and Future Ready Environments (Middle School & High School) New spaces focused on CTE will be added at the High School and Middle School. These areas will contain multi-purpose spaces with emphasis on collaboration and flexibility. The spaces will reflect the current market needs to better prepare students. Renovations would include separate ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ work areas, contain contemporary amenities, technology, and equipment, be more open, and be handicap accessible for all.

Added Parking at Liberty: The parking lot at Liberty will be renovated to improve efficiency, safety, traffic flow. More parking stalls will be added to the existing parking lot.

New HVAC at Independence Elementary STEM: The 1981 HVAC system at Independence Elementary STEM is in need of replacement. This replacement would include a better air quality handling system as well as air conditioning.

Improved Special Education Areas at the Middle School: These spaces are being reconfigured to operate more efficiently and designed to meet program needs. Learning environments (lights & HVAC) will be improved and equitable across all buildings. The spaces will be right-sized per MDE guidelines and contain their own dedicated storage areas. Materials and finishes in poor physical condition would be replaced. Spaces will contain contemporary amenities, technology, and equipment.

Air Conditioning and Air Quality Improvements (High School): Air conditioning will be added and systems will be put in place to improve indoor air quality in activity spaces at the high school.

Why were these projects not on the 2016 Referendum?

The last bond referendum passed in 2016 was primarily focused on improving safety and security including updating surveillance cameras and remodeling building entrances: expanding an improving playgrounds; as well as improving fine arts and athletic facility improvements such as replacing auditorium equipment, pool equipment, adding permanent outdoor concession/restroom facilities, and installing ball field lighting. 

All school funding measures that are voted on by the public are community-driven. At the time in 2016, input from our community was focused on our district providing security for our students, updating our fine arts facilities (like the auditorium) and improving our outdoor recreational spaces. 

How is the referendum a $0 tax increase?

The debt from the voter approved bond referendum that financed the construction of Liberty Elementary School (along with additions to the High School and Middle School, and improvements to Independence Elementary School), will be paid off on February 1, 2022. In partnership with community groups, we identified important facility infrastructure projects that need to be completed in the upcoming years to restore and renew our current facilities. As part of the criteria for these infrastructure projects, the need to keep our tax rate level was of the utmost importance. 

Aren't the High School activity spaces already air conditioned?

High School activity spaces including the main gym and auxillary gymnastics gym are not air conditioned and in need of dehumidifcation during peak use including the spring, summer, and fall time. 

What does it mean that "building controls" are no longer supported?

HVAC and building controls across the district are 24 years old. The computer systems they operate on are no longer able to support the aging control panels. 

Where will the High School fitness center be located?

The current plan is for the High School fitness center to be relocated where the District Office currently is. The District Office would be relocated to Independence Elementary. 

What roofs need to be replaced?

When constructed in 2002, Liberty Elementary had a roof with a 15 year life span installed. The roof is now 18 years old and in need of replacement. Additionally, portions of the Middle School roof including the 1987 and 2001 addition need replacing. 

How old is the HVAC system at Independence Elementary?

The HVAC system at Independence Elementary was installed in 1981 and is in need of replacement. This replacement would include a better air quality handling system as well as air conditioning. 

Will this referendum add square footage to our buildings? 

This referendum will restore and renew existing facilities. It will not add square footage to any of our buildings. 

It is important to be good stewards of the community's schools. Given the age of the buildings - it was time to make further investments into Big Lake Schools. 

The last major investment in facilities was in 2016, and was primarily focused on improving safety and security, including updating surveillance cameras and remodeling entrances; expanding and improving playgrounds; as well as improving fine arts and athletic facility improvements, such as replacing auditorium equipment, pool equipment, adding permanent outdoor concession/restroom facilities, and installing ball field lighting. 

- When constructed in 2002, Liberty Elementary had a roof with a 15 year life span installed. The roof is now 19 years old and in need of replacement. 

- Portions of the Middle School roof, including the 1987 and 2001 additions, need replacing. 

- The 1981 HVAC system at Independence Elementary STEM is in need of replacement. This replacement would include better air quality handling systems as well as air conditioning. 

- High School activity spaces including the main gym and auxiliary gymnastics gym are not air conditioned and in need of dehumidification during peak use including the spring, summer, and fall time. 

- Special Education spaces at the Middle School were constructed in 1997 and are in need of redesign. 

- HVAC and building controls across the district are 24 years old. The computer systems they operate on are no longer able to support the aging control panels.