At least one Blue Earth Area school official will be putting his speaking skills to work.

Superintendent Dale Brandsoy is conducting nearly 20 informational meetings on the upcoming operating levy referendum that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.

“We want people to have correct information before they vote. It’s giving them the facts they need to make a good decision,” says Brandsoy. “We just want to encourage residents in the district to vote.”

In August, the School Board approved a resolution calling for a public vote to renew the 2004 levy set to expire this year.

When the district’s residents go to the polls election day they’ll be asked to vote “yes” or “no” on the following question:

The board of Independent School District No. 2860 (Blue Earth Area Schools) has proposed to renew the district’s existing authorization of $650 per pupil which is scheduled to expire. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for five years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law.

Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 2860 be approved?

The education consulting firm Springsted has been working with the district on a campaign for passage of the referendum.

“For the most part our work is done. I talk with Dale from time to time, whenever he has a question,” says Jim Schmitt of Springsted.

If the levy is renewed, it wouldgenerate more than $908,000 a year. The state would pay about half of the new revenues beginning in the 2010-11 school year.

The informational meetings, which began on Oct. 8, are open to the public.

The superintendent will give a presentation and some members of the “Vote Yes! Committee” will be on hand to answer any questions.

Brandsoy is taking his message to nursing homes, service clubs each town making up the school district.

During the week of Oct. 19, the district will be mailing several hundred brochures to district residents explaining the levy referendum vote.

The polls on Nov. 3 will be open from 4-8 p.m.

The sites listed below are for the city, townships and precincts served by the polling place:

• Frost City Hall;

• Delavan Community Room;

• Winnebago Municipal Center;

• Blue Earth Elementary Small Gym;

• Pioneer Bank Community Room, Elmore.