From staff reports

Albert Lea and area voters will visit the polls Tuesday to decide the future of the school district.

Monday, November 05, 2001

Albert Lea and area voters will visit the polls Tuesday to decide the future of the school district. Here are a few facts and reminders:

The question: Approval of the referendum would add $358 per pupil in operating revenue for the next 10 years. The first year, the increase would equal about $1.7 million.

The stakes: The district says it would be forced to enact budget-cutting measures next year including trimming staff, programs and possibly closing an elementary school.

Polling times: Voters can express their opinion Tuesday beginning at 7 a.m. Polls will close at 8 p.m.

Eligible voters: Any person at least 18 years of age and registered to vote is eligible as long as his or her residence is within the district. To register, simply go to the appropriate polling place with valid identification. You do not have to own property to vote on the referendum.

n Polling places: The district has six polling places operated by independent election judges who keep track of voters and tabulate results.

n Clarks Grove Municipal Building; serves the city of Clarks Grove, Bath Township, Bancroft Township and Hartland Township.

n Hollandale Municipal Building; serves the city of Hollandale, Geneva Township, Newry Township, Moscow Township and Riceland Township.

n Hayward Community Hall; serves the city of Hayward, Oakland Township and Hayward Township.

n Brookside Education Center; serves Wards I and IV in the city of Albert Lea.

n Halverson Elementary School; serves Ward VI, Albert Lea Township and Freeman Township.

n United Methodist Church; serves Wards II, III and V in the city of Albert Lea as well as the city of Manchester, the city of Twin Lakes, Manchester Township, Pickerel Lake Township and Nunda Township.

Other facts about the election:

n The referendum is the only question on the ballot.

n The state actually contributes 53 percent of the funds that would be approved by the referendum.

n Statewide, 181 school districts are seeking excess levy referendums.

n The district’s current operating levy of $340.58 per student is being absorbed by the state and eliminated from the local property tax rolls.