In November 2004, the residents of Blue Earth Area Schools approved an excess levy of $650 per pupil unit.

The levy generated $973,050 in revenue, of which $559,217 was state aid, and $413,833 was generated locally.

This is the last year of the five-year levy and the school board is asking residents to renew the same amount for another five years.

With this additional revenue in the past five years, the district has been able to maintain a positive operating fund balance, upgrade technology and curriculum, keep current course offerings and programs, and maintain reasonable class sizes.

Over the past several years, the Blue Earth Area School District has had to make difficult choices in order to maintain services to all learners, K-12.

The district is facing a reduction in financial resources because of declining enrollment, declining interest earnings, lack of new funding authorized by the state legislature, lack of an operating referendum and tax shifts.

Major cost increases have occurred in many areas that are outside of the district’s control. The school tax with this operating levy should remain the same as the past year since the amount per pupil is the same as the prior levy.

The district will be sending residents a brochure giving detailed information on the excess levy and has scheduled the following meetings in the communities of Blue Earth Area to share pertinent information on the excess levy.

Everyone is encouraged to attend so you can be an informed voter. Meeting times and locations are:

Oct. 12 Delavan Community Center 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 Winnebago Lions 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 14 Blue Earth Lions 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 Winnebago Community Center 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 20 Blue Earth Kiwanis 12:00 p.m.

Oct. 21 BEAHS Performing Arts Center 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 22 Blue Earth Senior Center 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 23 Elmore Community-YSI 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 20 Blue Earth Kiwanis 12:00 p.m.

Oct. 21 BEAHS Performing Arts Center 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 22 Blue Earth Senior Center 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 23 Elmore Community-YSI 7:00 p.m.