WELLS — An Internet and telecommunications provider has pledged a hefty donation to United South Central School District if its Aug. 14 referendum for a new school building passes.

Bevcomm, which services south and southwestern Minnesota, has pledged $100,000 to go specifically to technology upgrades if the district is able to build a new school in 2013. USC Superintendent Jerry Jensen said the district would gladly accept the donation.

“It’s a generous offer on their part,” Jensen said. “We appreciate how much they’re supporting the students, school and community through this gesture.”

Bevcomm President and CEO Bill Eckles said the Blue Earth-based company is involved in economic development in Faribault County, and one of its goals it to help make sure there’s an educated workforce.

“We just wanted to show our support for the school referendum and thought this was a good way of doing it,” Eckles said.

Eckles said having newer technology and a new school building would attract new families and businesses to the area. Jensen said it would be a welcome donation if the vote for a new school were to pass.

“It would be a great boost to our ability to provide the most current and up-to-date technology,” Jensen said.

If the school were to receive the donation, Jensen said he doesn’t know specifically what the money would go toward. He said he’d have to work with staff at the school to find the greatest need whether it be for software, computers or other technology needs.

Jensen and the school board members have been holding community meetings to share information about what the new facility would look like.

The current school building is one of the oldest in the state, and last fall the board held a community meeting to see whether building new or remodeling the old building would be an option. It was decided to move forward with a plan to build a new building. The exact figure stated on the ballot is $28.825 million.