I forget the date the parade this. >> Good evening. I call to order the business meeting for the Fair Public School Board here on November 24th uh 2025. Uh Director Steves, do we have a quorum present? >> Yes, Mr. Chair, there is. Would >> everyone please stand for the pledge of
allegiance? Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
>> Thank you. Agenda item number two is approval of the agenda. Is there a motion for approval of the agenda with chair flexibility? >> So move. >> Thank you, director Budro. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Director Robasho. Discussion.
Discussion. Discussion. All in favor of that motion signify by saying I. I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion passes. Uh agenda item number three is recognition, awards, and presentations. Our first presentation is our student athletes. Our presenter is Mr. Shane
Gunderson. our activities director. So, good Mr. Gunderson and outstanding athletes. >> Yeah, I have two that I want to recognize today. Um, first is Bin Beardsley. Uh,
Brenn has competed in varsity cross country since she was in seventh grade. Um, she went to the state meet for the first time as an eighth grader and since then has returned to the state meet every year in both cross country and track and field. In total, she's been to
nine state tournament appearances. Um, with one more season yet to go, track and field in the in the spring. Um, in the past track and field year, Brinn was part of a 4 by 800 team that placed eighth in the state and earned
all state honors. this fall running um solo. She earned all state honors in cross country by finishing 25th. Um Brenn is known for being a hardworking, dedicated, remarkably consistent. She leads by example and
shows up every day committed to improving. One of her greatest strengths is that despite having her drive and competitive spirit, she finds time to have fun and make the sport enjoyable for all of her teammates. Bren has recently accepted a scholarship to
continue her running career at Biji State University. Colin Cox to my right stands as one of the most accomplished players in the history of FBO soccer. A four-year letterman and a two-year captain, Colin consistently elevated the program through his leadership, work ethic, and
exceptional play on the field. He's a three-time scoring leader for the Falcons, breaking the single season scoring record this year with 20 goals and adding 13 assists. He graduates as the program's all-time leading scorer with 38 career goals. Cullen's impact
extended far beyond Farbo. He is the first player in school history to earn all state honors twice, selected to the second team as a junior and first team as a senior. and he is the first Falcon ever to be named
to the all-state first team. This season, he also became the program's first Mr. Soccer finalist, finishing among the top five players in Minnesota's class 2A. Through his talent, dedication, and character, Colin
has set a new standard for excellence within the Farbo soccer program. His achievements have not only rewritten the record books, but have helped raise the profile of Febbo soccer throughout the state. Both these student athletes represent the Federal Public Schools not only
through their competition, through their competitive achievement, but also through their dedication to athletic academics and their leadership within the school community. So, thank you both. Yes. So, board members, if you would like
with our student athletes, I didn't do anything. >> All right. Awesome. Thank you. Congratulations and thank you again student athletes. Agenda item 3B is a statewide project
award. Our presenter is Anne Reebble, a Winona area public schools community education director, Minnesota Community Education Association region one board representative. So, welcome and good evening. We also have Miss Cassie Riapel here as well our
community ed director. So great. >> Thank you for allowing me to present tonight. This is an honor um as a region one board to present a statewide award to your community education program here in public schools. Um it should be highly um acknowledge that this is an
outstanding program. The state is one of 10 that was awarded this year. This is not the first time I've been to Farbo to present awards. I was here last year too. You have a lot to be proud of in your um community education program here. the program. I'm gonna let Cassie talk more about it too, but it was
acknowledged for being innovative, um, providing community partnerships and reaching many children with a lot of resources. And so, I will let her go into detail, but congratulations to your school district for having um, a good representation at multiple levels.
>> So, >> please. So, this is the second year community education has done the school supplies for all initiative. Last year was the first year. This year, we served 1,925 students with free school supplies, ages
preschool through 8th grade. And we received about $41,000 in donations from businesses across the community and private donors. And each student arrived to the school with their so in preschool
through fifth grade all their school supplies were organized by Amy Lundereby and a group of our team and they just showed up to school and all the school supplies were there for the teachers and for the students. And then at the middle school level it's a little bit different. Um it runs kind of like stations and the students and teachers
come through stations and get all the school supplies they need for each class. That's a little overview of that. There any questions? Just a comment as a parent, it's um a wonderful program and it's um yeah, it's just a huge timesaver and convenience
and um parents can spend those dollars that they typically spend on school supplies on other things that are necessary for their kids' education. So, thank you. Thank you very much. >> Agenda item 3C is Furbo Deca
presentation. Our presenter is Mr. Jared Kegler, our CTE and careers pathway coordinator and head DECA advisor. So I I'm assuming Mr. Kegler was just is going to defer to the DECA students,
which is just fine. So, welcome and good evening. And uh speak into the mic. We introduce yourselves and we'll go from there. >> Hi, my name is Brianna Velasquez Sanchez and I'm the vice president of Fairba and I'm also a senior.
>> Hi, I'm Lexi Berger. I'm the president of the Fairbs also a senior. Hi, I'm Joelyn Vagnes. Um, I'm a cabinet member in Farold Deca and I'm a junior. >> Okay. So, why are we here today? Today,
we are here to update you about last year and what our goals are for this coming year. Um, we have a lot of goals coming up. So, and so just kind of again what DECA is, DECA is a business program is primarily seen as a business program that stands for distributive education clubs of
America. And it really just helps prepare young emerging leaders for careers such as marketing, entrepreneurship, and so forth, anything in business. Um but Ferbal DECA has such a prominent program especially we've had outstanding numbers especially within
like the district level, the state level and the international level. So this is our 16th year and I just want to share some highlights with you from the past 15 years. So we've had 192 district champions. We had 445 district medals.
So that's first, second, and third. We've also had 521 straight state qualifiers and as well as 84 state finalists. And then we've also had 115 ICDC qualifiers and ICDC is the international career development
conference. We've also had eight ICDC finalist medals and we've had one ICDC third place trophy and that's the highest award that you can get at DECA. That's the DECA glass. Okay. Just to recap a little bit about like this past year, we had 17 students
go to the state competition, which is pretty good numbers. And along with that, we had eight district champions and 15 total members of DECA got district medals. Just a little uh continued recap. State finalist events included advanced level
interview, entry level interview, apparel and accessories marketing, school-based enterprise, the food and retail section. And then just to continue on with our achievements at state, um we had two students that received trophies, so top three. I know many of you might know
Jillian Huberty. She just graduated. She placed second in the apparel and accessories roleplay and qualified for the international competition. She also placed third in the advanced level interview and as well double qualifying. And then Joelyn Magnus who's here, she placed third in the entry level
interview and qualified as well for the international competition. Lexi Burgerer and Hannah Peterson placed fifth in the schoolbased enterprise food services. And we received Thrive awards in all of our chapter campaigns. Okay. So, our goals for this year and the following year is we really want to
increase student involvement and we're going to do that by doing more chapter prog um chapter projects um and those will be like business solutions and community service projects and we recently just did our community service project where we made door decorations for a memory care facility and we
donated them and we had um members of the cabinet go there and they set up door decorations for people and it was really nice. Um we're going to do a lock in this year and at the lockin they'll be we'll have alumni from um variable deca and they'll come in and they will look over papers and be mock judges and
just aid in like finalizing events and all that sort of stuff. Um we want to achieve the thrive awards in our gold chapter campaigns which will be the promotional, the ethical leadership membership and then the community service. and we want to have our Freddy's locker room become gold
certified, which she'll talk about more. Okay, so more 25 2026 goals for our school store, expanding our school store to a bigger location, and gaining more school involvement, business classes, community involvement, and to help DECA grow. So, we want to move across from
our current location into a bigger store. Um, we just got quoted from Metcon for about $66,000 and a total quote for about $80,000. So, we're doing everything we can to fund raise because
this would be really good for not only our DECA program but our students. And so, now to share what we have actually achieved this year so far. So, like just Joby um talked about earlier, we completed our community service project by creating door decorations and
the holiday cards for the Fairboat Senior Living Memory Care Unit. And we also recently attended the back to business challenge conference which took place in Minneapolis October 26th to the 27th. And we had 26 members attend overall. And just on the right of the
screen, you see first year member Leo Bunch, who received a medal for placing in the top 25 of his exam as the first year. I feel like this slide's kind of self-explanatory, but you can follow us on social media. We post a whole bunch of updates. Um, we show members that
win. We show what we're doing like within our community. We update on projects and stuff like that. So, we have Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and sometimes we're in the newspaper. You can look for us. >> Thank you guys so much for having us
here today. Um, does anyone have any questions? >> Questions. Board members. >> Dr. How do you engage businesses in your DECA program? So, there's a lot of there's a lot of different ways that we do this. Actually, we want to have start having
more local business involvement throughout our new school store. Maybe by offering local business products within our school store inside of the school because the goal would be for it to be a walk-in store, having a place where you can walk in and look around
and students could buy different items from local businesses. Maybe say they don't have access to be able to buy Christmas presents for their family, they can find something in our store. >> Great, great idea. >> I would like you to ask Mr. Wolf, Director Wolf, about his social media
pro. >> Mr. Chairman, >> director Woodro, >> I just want to thank you for coming. You all three look so professional. And you did your presentation so well, sharing all the information.
Um, those are skills you learn in DECA, right? >> Yes. Yep. >> And you've all three been very successful in the program and I thank you for representing our school district and the competitions and doing so well.
>> Thanks for coming. So, so I do have a couple questions to get down in the weeds a little bit more, but first of all, one, how does how do students get involved in DECA initially? Say you're a freshman or when you come into the Ferbal High School, is it an afterchool activity? Are there classes associated with maybe just for the
general public and the board here just kind of give a brief over how do you get involved with that? >> So, we do a lot of recruitment starting at open house for 9th graders or not even just nth graders, anyone who wants to join. It's also we do a lot of marketing for that in our business
classes or it's honestly just good for everyone. Um I'm not planning on going into business in the future. It's just good for everyone to have real world skills and that's what we kind of show within our program. Um one thing in DECA is like a mock job interview and you go
compete as if it was an actual interview. So that's every single person is going to have a job interview at some point. So that's kind of what we show within our program is that everyone can benefit from it. >> So what I'm hearing is through business class of classes of business classes at the high school and then is de so deco
officially is like an afterchool program or connect >> we have meetings on Tuesday mornings. >> So people who have sporting events can still participate and it doesn't get in the way of sports or anything. >> Excellent. >> Thank you Director Wolf. Uh ladies,
congratulations and also a big thank you to uh Mr. Kegler and um all the leadership that he does with the DECA program. What would you say your one or two best things that you would tell to any eighth grader or incoming
ninth grader about DECA? >> Number one, um I don't get nervous anymore presenting in front of class. I don't like presenting in front of you guys is not something that gives me any nerves anymore. But if my freshman self, like if you would have told me I was
presenting in front of the school board right now, I'd be so nervous and shaking and everywhere. So it just grows your confidence tremendously throughout just from now from when I was a freshman to now when I'm a senior, the confidence level is completely different.
>> Great. Would would the other two of you agree or anything different? >> Absolutely. So, as it said on there, um, entry- level interview, I went to ICDC for that and I got a big trophy. Um, and that severely helped me in in my job interview. I recently had one and it was
like absolutely amazing. Like the questions they asked and like like filling out the job interview and like especially like it helped me and it like helped me make real world connections and like really showed me that DECA is important and it is helping me. Um, for me, DECA has really helped me,
just like Lexi said, grow my confidence. I know like my eighth grade self, I would be shaking when I present whenever. Um, but like really now, just like being in DECA has really helped me to like ease my nerves when presenting to people or just like presenting to a group of people especially. So, just
like it really has enhanced my soft skills and all. >> Great. Thank you. And then uh last but not least, will you have Godfather's Pizza tomorrow night at the girls game or not? >> Yes, we will. And make sure you come um earlier than you usually do to make sure
that you get it. >> So, just a little inside baseball, if you will. Uh they run the um Freddy's locker room store at the high school and the concessions. And so, uh I often go to the games and look for pizza and sometimes they're sold out. So, I'm not
sure if they'll have the pizza. I think sometimes he does it just to test me to make sure that we have pizza by the end of the night for everybody. >> Just checking their inventory management skills. >> Any other uh discussion? Director Moore. >> Uh yes, thank you and congratulations.
Um they had DECA has been around for a very long time. Back even in the dinosaur age when I was in school, I was in so but you've come a long way and so congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. I I would just like to say thank you for
coming tonight and your presentation. Um how you represent Fable Public Schools and DECA program is just outstanding. I'm just going to refer to yesterday at at the your fundraiser at the Legion. I believe I saw all three of you there. >> Yep. >> They're working and just all the
students and the many comments that I heard of how mature, how professional, how um how you handled your your interactions with people was extraordinary. and you are def and as I've said for a long time to Mr. Kegler uh our DECA students are the pride and
joy and and our star not only in Farbull but the state of Minnesota and the upper Midwest of this of this country of ours. So um thank you and also need to do a a good shout out too to uh another helper
Amelia Griffin Kudson Griffin and all the work she puts in as well with with those kids as well. So, thank you for your presentation and thank you what you do and we are so proud. Thank you very much. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Yes. And we need another picture. So, again,
>> perfect. We will use that on our project. >> I'm having a hard time getting it on Facebook. There we go. That's what I was going to say. Okay. So with the opportunity and the motion to uh approve the agenda with
flexibility, I'm now going to move to agenda item uh 10 C, our audit report. So Miss Raceler and Candace, I'm sorry I forgot your first name from >> Carolyn.
>> Carolyn, let's see. Uh our auditor here to present to you board members. So in board book you will need to adjust and go down the agenda for that. So uh once again board members we will go through the entire
presentation before we have uh any questions. So I will turn it over to you too. Caroline, >> thank you so much. Um and uh very excited to be presenting this in November versus where we were last year. So um this is Caroline Stsman from
Bergen KDV. Um also creative planning is is known by uh Bergen KDV. And so Caroline will go through um the audit presentation that is before you and we will be asking for acceptance of the
audit report when she is finished. >> Thank you. Thank you for the introduction and for having me tonight. I'd like to I'm the partner involved in the audit for the school district. So, I'd like to take a few minutes of your time tonight to go through the results of that audit. The main reason you ask
us to work with the district is to provide an opinion on the financial statements. That opinion is housed within the independent auditor's report. The independent auditor's report also outlines management's responsibilities as well as our responsibilities. And management's responsibilities are for
the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Really what that means is that management determines the numbers that are housed within that financial statement. We are not allowed to do that and provide the opinion a line drawn in the sand if you will. So once that is
complete our job starts which is to obtain reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free of material misstatement. So that is the opinion. Unmodified opinion is the opinion we're providing not a change from previous years and it's the highest level that you can
receive. meaning we do believe the financial statements are fairly stated in all material respects as of June 30th 2025. In addition to focusing on the numbers as we go throughout our process, we also conducted our audit in accordance with government auditing standards that
requires us to consider internal controls as we go throughout that process. So, a couple of items noted there. We did talk about this with the finance committee as well. um common items that arise. Lack of segregation of accounting duties is
present inherently present with the amount of duties that overlap. Very common for districts to have this in some way, shape or form. And the audit adjustments that just happens occasionally. If a certain adjustment reaches a certain threshold, we have to
document that or report that. The next item in is in relation to Minnesota legal compliance. The office of the state auditor compiles a number of Minnesota state statutes that we ask a number of questions about. We did not have any findings related to any of that information. And then one final
component is in regards to um the audit in accordance with uniform guide uniform guidance, excuse me. This is what you're more familiar with hearing single audit test work. It is in preliminary form currently because we are awaiting the final um final
compliance supplement issuance. That is not out yet. So once that happens, we will finalize the work we've done. We have however conducted the test work based on the draft that's available. So we've tested title one, special education cluster, and comprehensive literacy, state development grants. And
at this point, no findings that we've noted. Um and then we'll just finalize everything as soon as that compliance supplement is available. With that, we'll dig into the financial analysis. And with general education aid being the largest funding source for you as a school district in the state of Minnesota, we look at the two main
components, two main drivers of that calculation, which is the formula allowance and pupil units. And so we start with the formula allowance here showing where it has been over the last 10 years, what we know currently based on legislature and focusing on that 2025
line and the 2% increase that was received. Then we have pupil units next and we begin here with your resident ADM. So these are only the students living within your district and for 2025 resident ADMs decreased by 15. And as
the grade levels are presented here, the other and kindergarten grade levels increased and the elementary and secondary decreased. Then if you apply the waiting factors that we have at the top of this slide as well as take into consideration open
enrollment, you arrive at total pupil units served. This is what you are paid off of from the state. So the top line is the residence follows suit with what we just looked at with the the waiting factors applied to it. And then the next two lines are the impact of open enrollment. And for 2025 and 24
essentially um minimal change between the two when it comes to open enrollment impact um which is a loss of about 1,200 and then at the end of the day total pupil units served decreased by 20 and um we also include adjusted ADM that is
the number I think you are familiar with hearing um and so similar similar presentation similar change from um what we're seeing on the total pupil units served as well of a decrease of about 16.
This slide just shows those um ADM factors in a percentage change form showing the declining enrollment over the five years. And then next we look at general fund sources of revenue. Essentially consistent year in total when you look
at general fund revenues compared to the prior year a change of about 0.1% but some fluctuations between the components as you see them here. Revenues from state state state sources did increase the formula allowance that we touched on is a component of that as is special
education revenue from local property taxes increased with an increase in the levy. And then the other category that is where federal your federal revenue is um classified or included for this chart
and that decreased as a result of the federal funding related to CO dollars being used up this last year. Here we have revenues per student or per ADM served. This gives us the ability to compare to
some state average information as well as look at current year. So pretty consistent change or pretty consistent numbers when you look at the previous year because that revenue stayed um pretty consistent as did the ADM served. And then if you compare to state average information
um in 2024, we always like to remind that that is average. Um, so there are a few different things that can change the look of one district compared to another when considering this information. Um, and those things can be referendums,
state or excuse me, special education needs, federal funding that you may have received, compensatory aid, all of those things can fluctuate the results that you're looking at here. So um as is in the past the district is above um the
state average and we start with revenues um because typically your expenditures are going to follow suit with that and look very similar which is the story that you are seeing here as well that expenditures are above state average and an increase in 2025 as expenditures
increased about 2 and a half% for the year. Here we show general fund expenditures in a pie chart format. Comparison year-over-year is pretty similar. Um, special education increasing with the
increasing needs um of of your students, of your kiddos, regular instruction decreasing slightly as a result, but in total instruction staying the same. When you factor in regular instruction, vocational instruction, and special education, all at 62% this year and last
year. If you combine all three together, district and school administration as well as district support services are the same as last year as well. Here we have a budget to actual snapshot for the general fund. The first two columns show the budget
anticipating a decrease in fund balance and the actual results are in the third column showing that fund balance increased 1.2 million. And then we have a variance column there in the far right. If we look at total revenues towards the top there in that far right column, we see total revenues over
budget. If we apply a percentage to that, it's 2.3%. And again, if we look at some of the components as they are listed there, we see that state sources is one of the larger ones there. That really has to do with mostly special education aid and kind of the estimates that went into
that. And that can be kind of a moving target just based on um the needs that you have as well as where the state lands with that particular aid each year. Following the table down total expenditures and all the way over to that far right column see underbudget
there. Um and if we apply a percentage to that again it's 7%. So considering the amount of budget that you are working on and being less than 1% within that budget and under budget um great job in that regard. Here
we bring the general fund all together. We've touched on a lot of the information on the top already, the revenues, expenditures, as well as the change in fund balance. And here we see where fund balance ended the year at 12.1 million. The components of that fund balance are
listed below. Non-spendable are for items where um think of it as the the dollars have left the building. You can't use them for future operations. So they're separated into their own category. Then there are a number of restricted components that are you have to spend those dollars in
accordance with how you received them. So they're all tracked and separated as well. Those components together cumulatively increased about 994,000 for the year. The ending balances and then that leaves you with unassigned and that
is the portion of fund balance that is available for future operations without those earmarks or tags as identified above. There are other um obligations obviously but not associated with the items above. That balance decreased by 118,000 for the year and ended at 8.8
million. That is also the component that you um compare your fund balance policy against. Your fund balance policy indicates that you would strive to have a minimum of 9.5% of the annual budgeted expenditures in that unassigned component. If you run the calculations
for this year, you're at 18.8%. 8%. So you are in compliance with the policy you've established for yourselves. Here's yet another way to look at fund balance and this is unrestricted fund balance is a percentage of unrestricted expenditures. Slightly different than the percentage I just touched on in that
this is everything but the restricted components. So those non-spendable items are in here. MDE calculates this. It's a little bit more complicated. So they go through the process and it is uh does give us the ability to compare to some state average information here as well. So seeing that the district is below the
state average and remained consistent in 2025 compared to 24. The last two slides that we have look at uh your special revenue fund. So food service fund is here. Revenues decreased with a decrease in meals served and
expenditures increased mostly in the contracts um as a result of contract increases as well as equipment purchases. And that's been a pretty common practice across the state um with investing in some of the capital capital needs for this food service fund.
At the end of the day, fund balance decreased by 188,000 and ended the year at 1.9 million. Last but not least is the community service fund. Seeing activity increasing here on the revenue and expend and expenditure side of things, excuse me,
with an increase in participation in the programs as well as as an increase in grant activity. So at the end of the day here, fund balance increasing and ending at 1.4 million. and all of the components that are included at the bottom there are in
a positive state at the end and for all of the five years presented there. So that is great to see as well. >> Happy to take any questions you might have. >> Thank you for the presentation, Miss Stzman. Board members, do we have questions on the audit report?
Director Budo, >> Carolyn, thank you for coming, sharing all of the results of the audit. >> Absolutely. >> Which look like we're doing okay. >> Um, I wanted to ask if you had any idea
about our administrative costs percentage-wise for our district, what are we spending, and how does it look compared to our our neighbors in our state?
Um I do have that jotted down here. Um back up. So it's in this one. If you compare to 2024 that district and school administration, the state average for that is 5%. So um
slightly under what the state average is for that particular component. 4%. >> Yes, >> thank you for sharing that. Appreciate it. >> Yes. Thank you.
>> Any other questions or director Moore? >> Uh yes. Uh at least I did. We received what um about 135 pages of budget documents at about 2 minutes to 11 today. Um I haven't had a chance really
to thoroughly go through these uh you know we're talking budget here which can be complicated. So um I guess are you expecting us to without really thoroughly looking through this to approve of this? I mean, this was it was I counted about 135 pages of budget
documents, including this. Uh, I think this is unacceptable and we should have had it a few days ago and not this morning at 2 minutes to 11. Good thing I checked my email periodically. Director Moore, we're talking about just the report that we
>> Well, the report and I am saying that we got all of these at at 2 minutes before 11 today and now they we're expected to uh to uh Oh, yeah. We're we're going to approve this. I'm not going to approve of anything until I've thoroughly looked
at it. And so this needed this needed to get out to us before along with the others. Thank you, >> Mr. Chairman. >> Director Budro. Um, the audit report was presented 7:30 this morning by Carolyn
Stzman to the financial committee on our Zoom meeting and the documents for the audit were provided to the finance committee. Um, and now it's presented to the full board which is just for our
information. And I think what you're saying is that we are we are doing okay. I mean, we may have some Barbie's going to talk to us, so I don't need to give an overview of it. Um, Barbie will give us the details
of the budget, but um Carolyn's report was about the audit. That correct? >> That's correct. >> Correct. >> Yeah. >> Any other the further discussion regarding the audit report, Director Moore? >> Well, maybe I need to be on the finance
committee, but even then, it was just presented this morning. I really believe that we should have had it a few days ago. Thank you. >> Further discussion. >> Okay. I do see this is an presentation and there's an action item. So is there
is there a motion for approval of the audit report as presented? >> So moved. >> You director Robisho. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. Director Steves. Discussion. >> Discussion. Discussion. >> Mr. Chair. Yes. Go ahead Mr. Quick, I I
just want to uh congratulate Miss Raceler and the finance team that uh keeps us in good standing. And as uh Caroline pointed out that um this is pretty much I I I don't want to put
words in your mouth. You're smiling. I think you know where I'm going. You've said that this is about as good of audit review that school districts get. Is that correct? >> The highest level of opinion that we can provide. >> The highest level. Okay. You said it, I didn't. So, thank you. Um, and Bergen KDV audits roughly how many public
school districts in Minnesota every year? >> Somewhere in the 50 to 75 range. >> And so, uh, congratulations to you and thank you and and Superintendent Benty. Hopefully, you're very proud of the team. I I know I am. So, thank you. >> Yes.
>> Further discussion, >> Mr. Chairman. Dittos dittos that we have a financial manager that's doing a great job. Anyone else? Have a motion for approval of the audit report. All in favor of the motion
signify by saying I. >> Oppose. >> No. >> Motion passes 61. Thank you both very much. With flexibility in the agenda, we will now go back to agenda item number four, items of information. Um 4A, student uh
board representative uh Miss Amamira Williams. Uh good evening. Uh in the past few weeks, all winter sports have begun practicing. The fall play has come to a close. Uh last Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were the show dates. Uh the play
was a who done it murder mystery where each show night had a different culprit. Uh four different endings really shows the hard work and dedication FHS uh theater troop took in putting on this production. Looking forward, the week of December 1st, student council will be
hosting snow coming. Uh the week will be filled to the brim with everything from basketball games to dress up days, uh snow ambassadors to the Sades dance on the 6th. The goal of the week is to raise money for toys for tots. Uh this is Fairville High School's way of giving back to the community. Uh some National
Honors Society students are also giving back by collecting new and slightly used toys to donate this holiday season. Overall, the next month will be filled with much giving and gratefulness at Fable Schools. >> Thank you, Miss Williams.
>> Uh items of information for me, uh schoolboard members, Director Moore. >> Uh yes. I've got a couple of things here that I'm concerned about. Um, regarding the consent agenda, uh, every month, uh,
we get a fairly substantial list of recommendations to hire and extended contracts. >> Uh, we've got, you know, with these tough economic times and budget cuts more prevalent than we'd like, I'd like to propose to this board that we take a
hard look at the many, many positions we have we have hired within the Farbo public schools. Um, until we do that, I'm hesitant to approve all of these contracts every month. I know uh that this consent agenda will pass, but I believe it is
our fisc fiscally responsible duty to look into the numerous positions that are brought forward every month for our approval. We've got to have accountability here, and I don't think we do. Uh, I'll talk more about this under item X with the budget.
Secondly, uh I'd like to talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion. It's DEI or EDI now that it's it's called that. Uh it's interesting that they keep changing the acronyms and the meaning of these terms. You know, why do they do
that? Because it is confusing to people. I was challenged a while back that DEI or EDI or whatever you want to call it uh is is in our public schools and uh and it is in our public schools.
Uh when I started to respond I was cut off and in order for transparency within our schools the public that is parents, voters, taxpayers need to be aware that DEI has come under various grants. For example, the almost half a million
dollar bipartisan safer communities grant that Superintendent Benty signed off on and the school board a few of us there approved on December 5th, 2022 explicitly calls for embedding the basic principles and practices of equity,
diversity, and inclusion specifically targeting racial and ethnic communities and LGBTQIA plus. And know this, I am fir I firmly believe that every student including gender diverse students need to graduate
knowing the basics of education. However, one big reason that I question DEI or whatever you want to call it is that we don't practice what we preach. In fact, DEI only focuses on certain groups over other groups. And it's right here. This is hypocrisy.
DEI as in this grant is not inclusive or equitable to certain groups, especially those who believe and adhere to godly principles such as male and female. That violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the very act that this grant purports to comply with on page 13. Also, this
violates individual First Amendment religious freedom and liberty. For example, this grant states, "Cultural competency training each year will focus on topics related to working with LGBTQIA plus, and that's on page 29.
What about cultural competency training for students who adhere to godly principles of male and female? What about their feelings? Couldn't Could they be offended by all of this? Aren't they just as important? You can't have it both ways."
To reiterate, DEI favors some groups over others, and that's not being diverse, equitable, or inclusive. That's discrimination against certain religious beliefs, and that's opening us up to litigation now and in the future. Not to mention the federal funds. I think the
federal funds are like about 10% of our budget. I've seen estimates of between 3 to 6 million. Is that correct, Mr. Venty? Approximately. >> Approximately 9 million. >> Nine million. Oh, nine million. is one bigger than I thought. If you want DEI,
you cannot favor one group over another. Finally, when we approve of any new grant or program, we need transparency to the parents and to the taxpayers as to what groups of students we focus on and those groups that we don't and what stipulations requirements go with these
grants. And contrary to what a lot of people think, grant money is not free. comes off the backs of taxpayers and you know transparency is really truth and the truth sets us free and I'm very concerned about this. Thank you.
Other board members item items of information want to say since our last meeting I have attended I attended the Farewell Middle School band concert. Um what a phenomenal concert and performance packed gym as standing room
only standing virtually almost in the doorways. Uh great presentation by our band directors and students also attended the DECA fundraiser yesterday and like I said previously um how how those students present themselves and in
our community and and their work ethic and just drive is is very impressive. So, thank you for that. And al I've also attended, as many of you have as well, other athletic events and activities as well. And I just want to piggyback off Miss Williams uh comments on the school
play. I do believe our director Paul Johnson wrote that play where wrote the play and presentations. So, every night, so extremely talented and we're so we're so happy to have him part of our staff here at Fwell Public
Schools. So, seeing no further comments, uh, Mr. Benty, superintendent. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, so our Fairbro Middle School sixth grade physical education classes competed completed a bike safety unit. Students learned how to fit and wear a helmet, signal, stop
safely, and even fix a flat tire. Uh, special thank you to the community volunteers who helped make this unit a success. Uh, the new Falcon Flight Plan Path program run by Mr. Kegler, who was here earlier, uh is giving students a
real look at careers. Students have met officer Brandon Gleam from the Fairboats Police Department, Farbo High School alumni and restaurantier Chao Trong of Tint T and fellow FHS alum Delta pilot Tanner Tusenot each shared their journey, the skills needed in their
field, and advice for students exploring career paths. Uh, we want to thank state the state bank of Farbo for continuing its partnership with Miss Christa Swanson's class. Each year they donate funds so every student can receive a book each month of the school year. Their
contributions have provided more than 1,500 books to 167 students bringing joy and learning to Fairboat House Fairboat households. Falcons Beyond students enjoyed a full day of enriching activities. They toured Buckham West Senior Center and connected
with the senior community members. They explored programs at the community center and visited Buckham Memorial Library for the first time. A 3D printer demonstration and a three and a special 3D printed dragon to take home. Thank you to all the community partners who made this uh experience possible.
Mrs. Elstead's class celebrated a fall party. Students explored pumpkins and leaves. They learned about the pumpkin life cycle and participated in Q-tip painting, apple tasting, leaf rubbing, and building activities with styrofoam balls and toothpicks.
All of our buildings honored Veterans Day this year. Um ALC students wrote heartfelt notes to local veterans to thank them for their service. Miss Wells class brought the three little pigs to life. Students acted out the story with puppets, used felt pieces
to retell it, and completed a hands-on STEM building uh with Legos, sticks, play-doh, and cardboard blocks. And finally, uh Fable High School Honor Society students gave back to the community by cleaning a stretch of highway. Their efforts helped keep the community looking its best and
demonstrated leadership through service. Uh Mr. Chair, one final thing. I misspoke. It is not 9 million, it's 7.5 million. So, $7.5 million in federal funds. So, I I want to correct that for the record. Uh, and Mr. Chair, that uh
completes my report. >> Benty, agenda item number five is public comment. Miss Kenny, we have no public comment this evening. Agenda item number six is the consent agenda. Consent agenda consists of the minutes from the
October 27th, 2025 and November 10th, 2025 meetings, employment, additional assignments and other authorization of payments, transfers and investments accounts and retirements. Is there a motion for approval of the
consent agenda? >> So move second. >> Motion by director Robisho, second by Director Wolf. There is no discussion. on consent agenda. All in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? >> No.
>> Motion passes. 61. Agenda item number seven is the district advisory committee. There's no report. Agenda item number eight, policy committee 8A, policy committee minutes. Report. Uh, Director Steves and Director
Moore is members of the policy committee. Here's to review the policy committee minutes. Sure. Um so at uh the November policy meeting we reviewed um and just for clarity sake
um when we do a um review these are done either on an annual every other year or every third year uh basis. Um so we reviewed the entirety of the policy um for 11 policies.
Um and so they are put forth um from that policy meeting um by that committee um for technically it's first reading but it since there were no uh changes um it will just go
right into the books I think um and then yeah um significant discussion um on a couple of them but for the most part um All agreed. >> Anything to add, Director Moore?
>> Yes, I did have some problems with some of the policies and they put forth some amendments. >> I I have those and I'll get to them when we get to agenda item 8B. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, moving on now to agenda 8B. First reading of policies. I've been requested
by Director Moore to pull the following policies for further discussion and vote. Uh, 8B1, review of policy 401. Pull that. Uh, 8B7, review of policy 410, family and medical
leave policy. Excuse me. Uh, 8B9, review of policy 417, chemical use and abuse. and 8B10 review of policy 420 students and employees with sexually transmitted
infections and diseases and certain other communicable diseases in and infectious conditions. So for our first reading of policies, is there a motion for approval of policies for 40 402 403
404.1 408 415 and 423 and I did not read the explanations but they are in board. Is there a motion for approval of those policies? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Director Robos. Is there a second?
>> Second. >> Second, Director Budro. Any discussion on those policies? >> Again, to reiterate, there were no changes. >> So the first after the first reading, this vote, they will go just review. They go right into
>> Would you like me to explain that one more time, Mr. Chair? Explain that. So when policies come up for review, there's no need for them to go to a second reading because they've already been approved by this board. Um if there are no changes to them and they make it through the policy committee with no changes, it's it's just the board
accepting them to say yes, we're going to continue with the policy on our books the way that we have already accepted it. So there's no need for a second reading. >> Thank you, Mr. Venty. Discussion. Discussion hearing none. All in favor of the motion
signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion passes. We'll now move to uh policy 401 uh equal employment opportunity. Is there a motion for approval of the
review of policy 401 equal equal employment opportunity? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Director Steves. There's second. Thank you, Director Robisho. And discussion. Director Moore, do you wish to gohead?
>> Yes. For policy 401. >> Um, >> before you begin, could I just say, so board members, I did send Director Moore did send the information to me about 2:55 this afternoon and I forwarded that to you about 3:15 via the via the email.
So I know you didn't have much if any time to review these but those things but uh I think I wanted to state that. So director Moore go ahead on your discussion please. Uh yes for policy 401 uh we're looking at 2.A.
Uh I am uh proposing an amendment uh to it talks about sexual orientation including gender identity or expression. My amendments are to delete the words including gender identity or expression
and add the words as defined by male and female. >> I'm sorry I didn't hear the last comment. >> Um >> as defined by what? >> Male and female. >> Thank you. >> So again, Director Moa, would you put
that in properly saying I move to >> Yes. >> amend? >> I move to amend policy 401. It's 2.8. a dot and it's on policy. >> Yeah, it's on the first page.
>> It's 2A and it's uh the one it's a paragraph. It's probably four lines down. It talks about sexual orientation including gender identity or expression. And I'm amending I'm um amending that. I would like an amendment uh to delete the
words including gender, identity or expression and add the words as defined by male and female. >> Thank you. Is there a second to the motion to amend? Is there a second to the motion to amend?
>> Mr. Chair, can I ask a question? I don't have a second, but I have a question that I'd like to direct to Superintendent Benty. So whether that's now or after this motion >> I think we do it after the motion. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> Last call for is there a second to the
motion to amend? Hearing none. The motion fails due to lack of a second. Continuing discussion now I will go to you now. Director Wolf. >> Thank you. Uh my question is Mr. Benty and maybe you can or maybe you can't
answer this but in when when I look at the policy committee minutes this policy 401 is a mandatory policy. >> That is correct. >> And when I look at the actual policy itself there are seven legal references
and three cross references. And so what would happen if this board voted down a mandatory policy >> whether we agree >> agree with the the specific case that
was acted asked here or just in general? >> Well, I I think either or. I mean, when they're mandatory, I I and I I 100% respect uh Director Moore's um you know, thoughts and and amendment and all that, but when it's mandatory,
uh in my mind, mandatory doesn't give us a wide range of options whether we agree personally or disagree. And so, if this board voted this down and there's seven legal references and three cross references, what does that do to our school district? So that would open us
up for first of all we if we vote it down we have to replace it with something else because we're required by law to have some type of equal employment opportunity policy on our books. That's what the mandatory piece means. Uh what MSBA provides is a they
run it through their attorneys. It's set up with the the cases and the cross references and all of that. That is a service that they provide for us. Um, so if if the board were to vote this down, then you would have to come up with another one. Most likely if I had broke
out my crystal ball, you'd ask me to reach out to our attorneys and they would send this exact same one back to you. So, >> thank you. >> Further discussion, Director Moore, >> I guess, uh, when we talked about what would open us up to litigation, well, it
could open us up to litigation anyway. I think federal and state seem to conflict here. Uh because title seven of the civil rights act of 1964 states that no one can violate a person's religious or creed. Uh and that's a first amendment
right. So I think we're opening ourselves up to to litigation either way. So and also policy 401 also states it's unlawful to to discriminate on the basis of creative religion. And that's what we're doing right now.
>> So we're actually vi I believe we're violating our own policy. >> Can I just ask a clarifying? >> One minute. M director Moore, would you pull your microphone to I'm sorry. >> Been indicated that and pull it. >> Okay. >> Tell indicated we're not here. >> Okay. Sorry. >> Director Steves.
>> Um thank you. So clarifying question. How how in your opinion are we discriminating against someone's creed or religion status? I guess in my opinion, the purpose and the practice of
this policy um and our school district is to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees whether they look like me or don't look like me or um I I can read
it. race, color, creed, national, origin, religion, sex, marital status, status with regards to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, family care, leave status, veteran status.
I agree that we should not discriminate. Yes. But my problem is with the wording of how we define sexual orientation. And if we define it in the way that it is here, we are violating some people's
right, the religious belief or system that they feel that uh sexual orientation is male or female. We can't do that. Uh and so we are and it's also first amendment right, somebody's religious beliefs. So it's in
the wording of the I I believe I I do first of all I like I said to reiterate we cannot discriminate against anyone but the wording of this when we talk about sexual orientation can be offensive to some people
and um this is open and in religion is a first amendment right and so we have to realize that. >> So I I guess Maybe we can take this conversation offline. I guess I'm still conflicted as
to how having a statement of policy that includes everyone, whether it aligns with my beliefs or not. I guess I know that my
race, sexual orientation, my marital status, all of these things are my rights as a US citizen under the First Amendment. And in my understanding and and I apologize for getting into the weeds here, my understanding of the
Constitution is within reason that those are my rights and is welcome to disagree on um again sexual orientation or marital status or all of
these various things, but I'm allowed to live my life just like you're allowed to live your life. and as long as we're not, you know, physically hurting each other, we're we're allowed to live our lives. Um, so I'm fully supportive of
this. I know it's a mandatory policy. Um, I want to reiterate to all of our employees that are currently employed or prospective. Um, we provide equal opportunity for everyone. Mr. Chairman,
>> Director Woodro, >> I would just like to reiterate that this policy is about our school district and that we provide equal opportunity for all applicants and all people who work here. Whether we agree with the Human Rights
Act, the Minnesota Human Rights Act or not doesn't change the fact that the district is required to adhere to it. I personally don't like the fact that our human rights act clashes with our
title nine and some other things. And I think if members here, you know, we we have no option but to do what the law says. If we don't like it, we can vote no. But we if we kill this,
I mean, we're we're bound legally So, I mean, there's it's kind of a catch 22 for some people, but I I believe that it is the school district's responsibility to adhere to the laws, and this is a law whether we
like it or not. >> Director Robelle, >> thank you, Chair. Um, as I read this policy, I do not seem where it explicitly uh interferes with anybody's constitutional right, be that the first
amendment or any of the amendments. Um, it really is encompassing all individuals uh irrespective of what their beliefs are, but they're entitled to protection under this policy as we employ them. So I do not see it explicitly violating
anybody's constitutional rights when it comes to the first amendment. The other comment I want to make is I don't know any of us that have a law degree. So interpreting something legally is not the role of this board. That's why we have her, you know, hire legal attorneys
to take a look at that. So I don't feel that this policy in any way violates anybody's constitutional rights. So, uh, Superintendent Benty, if you just for reminder, as I as piggybacking off Director Wolf's, uh, question or
comments, when I read the legal references here, I do believe that this policy is a federal and state law. Would that be correct? >> Uh, yes. So, it is a state law under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. And actually the protections of uh uh sex have been
expended extended to gender identity through a 2020 Supreme Court case at the federal level as well. So So this would uh those protections are under state and federal law at this point. >> Thank you. Further discussion, director Moore.
>> Okay. Um Miss Pedro, you mentioned uh the state law, but also Title N. Doesn't this conflict with Title N? Uh I I guess you know one way to just you know to eliminate this just why can't we say we don't discrim we we
don't discriminate against anyone instead of parsing it out as sexual orientation which is offensive to someone a few people uh just eliminate that and just simply say that you know we do not discriminate against anyone
and uh and and as I believe it's it's uh violating Title 9. And so it looks like whoever decides not to go along with this amendment really is going along with the Minnesota
state law. And I guess I'm going along with the Title 9 law, which is a federal law, and federal law does supersede state law. So, uh I guess we have a dilemma here. >> Last call for discussion.
>> Anyone? We're ready to vote. We have a motion for approval of the of review of policy 41, equal opportun equal employment opportunity. All in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? >> No. >> No.
>> Motion passes. 52. We'll now move on to uh 8 B7, review of policy 410, family and medical leave policy. Is there a motion for approval of the review of policy
410, family and medical leave policy? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Director Robisho. Second by Director Wolf. And discussion. Uh Director Moore, I'll turn this over to you as well. >> Uh yes, policy 410. Uh uh I'm proposing
an amendment. It's three do I do. It's the last part of the sentence. >> So let's just start off by saying I move to amend. >> I move to amend. >> Thank you. >> I move to amend uh three do I do last part of the last sentence. The amendment
is to remove the last part of the sentence from this paragraph and defining marriage starting with a definition includes an individual. Bubble. I'd like to remove that last part and um I guess for the same reasons.
>> We have a motion to amend policy 410. Is there a second to the motion? Is there a second to the motion? Is there a second to the motion? Hearing none. The motion to amend dies due to lack of a of a second. So, we're
back to our original motion of review of policy 410, approval of that family and medical leave policy. Uh, second call for discussion. Again, Mr. Venty, I believe this is a mandatory policy with uh federal and state laws
tied to it as well. Correct. >> That is correct, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you. >> Discussion, >> Mr. Chair. Dr. Moore, >> instead of going through this whole thing again, it's basically the same ar argument. I believe federal law
conflicts with state law. >> So, thank you. >> Would you state that again, please? >> I I believe the federal laws uh is in conflict with the state law, and it's it's a basically the same argument
I had for policy 401. So in order to save time, I just think we should >> Superintendent Venty, would you clarify that? >> Yeah. If the concern is around same sex marsex marriage, that is protected at both the federal and the state level.
>> Okay. >> So samesex marriage, just so everybody knows, is protected at federal level and at state level. >> What what federal >> what is the federal? >> The Supreme Court of the United States. Okay. If that would change, would we
have to change this then? >> If if that were to change, then it would cause a cascade effect just like every federal law that would change would cause a cascade effect down to the state level level and the local level. >> Correct. And federal law does supersede state law.
>> What I >> Yes. From all my years of teaching civics, federal law supersedes state level, state law, and local law. So, >> thank you. >> Last call for discussion on motion to approve policy 410.
Hearing none, all in favor of the motion to approve policy 410, family and medical leave policy signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? >> No. >> Motion passes 61. We'll now go down to agenda item 8B9,
review of policy 417, chemical use and abuse. Is there a motion for review of policy 417, chemical use and abuse? Motion to approve the policy 417, chemical use and abuse. >> So moved. >> Thank you, Director Steves. The chair
will second that. And discussion. Uh, Director Moore, you asked me to pull this one and you have some a comment. >> Yes, I I am concerned about uh under it's uh Roman numeral 4. F dot when it
talks about any minor may give effective consent for medical, mental, and other health services to determine the presence of or to treat conditions associated with alcohol or other drug abuse. And the consent of no other person is required. That's on page 417.
Uh yeah, 417. Uh page four of policy 417. In a memo earlier this month, I did ask the questions. I said, clinics are denying parents access to records as young as 12. And I said, is that happening and we
are we compliant? And um Mr. Benty, you did answer. You said there's no blanket age 12 rule in statute. Some clinics use adolescent confidentiality practices around age 12 consistent with clinical guidelines
but legally the type of service and consent pathway determines parental access. The rule above is what healthfinders and we do have healthinders and school-based clinics in Minnesota must follow. Uh so nothing in Minnesota statute from my understanding is but within adolescent confidentiality
practices. Children as young as age 12 can consent for medical, mental and other health services for treatment of alcohol and drug abuse without parental knowledge or consent. Uh I believe this is a blatant tactic to take away parental responsibility and rights. So
I'm very concerned about that. So that's my comment on that. Second call for discussion on the review of policy 417. Last call for discussion. Hearing none. All in favor of the motion
for approval of policy 417 chemical use and abuse signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? >> No. >> Motion passes 61. Uh and we'll move to 8B10 review of policy 420 students and employees with
sexually transmitted infections and diseases and certain other communicable diseases and infectious conditions. Is there a motion for approval of the review of policy 420 as I just read? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Director Rover. Is there a
second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Director Steves. Any discussion? Uh once again, Director Moore, you asked me to pull this one. >> Yes, thank you. I have concerns about Roman numeral 2.I.10. So, the program must be consistent with
the health and wellness curriculum. Uh I did ask and I don't believe I received an answer. Does this include partnering with Healthinders? And we do part uh partner with Healthfinders. And I'm very concerned about the age 12 criteria for not for
not allowing uh parental access on certain issues. I also asked does this include the whisk program and I think there's 10 modes or whatever they call them now in the whisk program. uh whole school whole child uh
it's whole school whole community whole child it's called whisk and one of the modes of sexual health and uh I think in the state of Minnesota uh students can probably I I think they can have I'm very concerned about some of the things
with the sexual health and uh including maybe abortions without parental concern consent I don't know but I did ask for more clarification on that And I I need to look into this further. So, and I'd like more clarification on that, please.
Thank you. >> Second call for discussion on review of policy 420. >> Last call. >> Mr. Chairman, >> go ahead. Director Budro, >> I would just like to state Minnesota law
has been in place for a while. Individuals age 12 and older can obtain a prescription for birth control without parental permission. I know that as a separate issue, but this has been in statute and it's carrying down into
other areas. So, it is a state statute, not about this topic, but 12 and older. >> Last call for discussion on policy 420. Director Moore,
>> I believe this is um this is a concerted effort on some to take away parental responsibility and parental rights and just common sense as a 12year-old. Think about it. And I think it's time we stood up to the
bully. And uh I I don't believe I I think if we go along with it, we're complicit in this. 12 year olds. >> Thank you. >> Hear no further discussion. We're ready
to vote. All in favor of the motion for approval of policy 420 signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed? >> No. >> Motion passes 61.
>> 8 C. Uh second reading of revisions to policy 625 use and and reproduction of copyrighted materials. It was previously poly policy 8003.4. Is there a motion for approval of
revisions to policy 625? >> So move. >> Thank you, Director Budro. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Director Steves. Uh discussion. Discussion. Call for discussion.
>> All in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion passes. Agenda item nine. 9A is the finance committee. I have that report. Um hot off the press literally. uh the
from the meeting this morning, November 24th at 7:30 a.m. Here's what was presented at the finance committee. First of all, the uh financial performance uh the results of the fiscal year uh 2425
audit was presented by Carolyn Stzman. After that, we discussed uh also our October student counts. Our October student counts, we changed to an ADM factor, average daily membership. Uh instead of student count, the average of 3,61 students,
uh but final ADM is expected to be above what we budgeted for the year. Our October investment financial report, uh we decreased our investments, uh three CDs matured and we had an investment that matured. We used those
funds for October expenses. Uh our October comparative financial report, HVAC shows zero balance due to rebates and timing. Water is running about the same. Electric a bit higher at this time than last year, but expenses
are higher overall year to date. In our self- insurance, our revenues are exceeding expenditures. There has been a decrease in medical claims as compared to this time last year. uh October analytics. We're still using the uh 2026 ADOP ad adopted budget.
We're on target for our expenditures and revenues. And we've used about 24% of our budget for expenditures. Uh revenues as of October. We received about 17% of the budget in our multi-year uh presentation. 22% of our
budget has been spent compared to 24% in fiscal year 25 and 23% in fiscal year 24. In financial strategies, we app the the finance committee approved the revised budget. We're going to be going over
that in a few minutes. And then lastly, uh the finance committee also approved the uh approval of the pay 26 property tax levy which will be presented next Monday, December 1st at our truth and
taxation meeting with the board meeting. That is report from the finance committee. Director Budro, director Wolf, anything >> Mr. Chair? May I just a couple questions? Yeah.
>> I notice uh it's not the pages aren't numbered on a page three. >> Um Farbo Middle School appears that we lost 16 students, but we've gained 36 at the high school. I'm not sure why, but uh that'd be a good reason to know why.
But in Roosevelt, we lost what was it? 68. Is that correct? Am I reading this right? >> No. Miss Raceler, if you'd come up please and answer those questions. >> Yes, I've got a few questions. I think it's on page. >> Yeah.
So, as stated um earlier, we have switched to an ADM count, which means that um rather than taking a look at all the students that attend, we're looking at students that we get uh aid for or some type of payment. And so, that's why you're seeing a decrease in uh
Roosevelt. Uh, last month we were just looking at here's all the kids that are in the building. This month we're looking at how many kids do we get paid for? You know, is is there funding for, excuse me, how many kids is there funding for? And so it's not a onetoone
when you're talking about voluntary prek. >> Could we show both numbers from now on because then it's less confusing. >> Absolutely. >> Because I think that would be good. Um, also I know the electric bill was up. Is that m Mr. Your chair might have
mentioned that. Was that because of the rates? >> No, it's just uh last year we were still receiving rebates at this time. >> Okay. >> And so now we're not. >> Okay. And I noticed our ending balance uh we lost a little bit of money from on
page five. The ending balance 930 was 25 mil 25.5 million and now it's about 23.7. >> Yep. >> Why is that down? >> Yep. It's down because uh three CDs matured. Okay. >> And then we also had an investment that
that um >> also matured and then we use those dollars to replenish our cash rather than reinvest but we are continuing to reinvest at a steady rate. >> Okay. And just one more question on page
seven. Um I'm not a budget person, sociology. Um at the bottom at page seven it says uh remaining balance um one point are we that means it's on page seven >> it's uh expense revenue summary >> y
>> rate ending activity of course it's in parentheses does that mean that we're >> no >> yeah so when uh so in accounting an expenditure is a debit >> and a revenue is a And so we're showing the revenue as a
credit in red. And so basically what we're saying is um we we have 66 million left to receive in our revenues. >> Where do you see that? >> Uh the line right above where you're looking at the 1.9 million.
>> Oh 66. Okay. I see that. Right. >> Yep. So that's what we expect to receive yet in revenues. >> We expect to receive it. We haven't received it. Correct. That's why it's in parenthesis. Correct. Yes. >> Thank you. We'll move on to agenda item 10. 10A,
gifts and donations. Resolution 26.05. 26-05. Our donations this month are uh one, the Fable Booster Club donated $499.50 for the National Honor Society t-shirts.
Fair the Fairbowl wrestling club donated $900 for the ninth for the eighth grade park and pool field trip. And Michelle Palmquist donated $1,400 to the Nest to provide highquality tennis shoes for students in need.
>> Mr. Chair, I think that's Michael. >> Michael, I'm sorry. I said Michelle Michael. Thank you. My apologies everyone. Uh, is there a motion for approval of resolution 26-05 gifts and donations as I read? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Director Wolf. Is there a
second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Director Steves. Any discussion? >> Just a huge thank you to our generous community for supporting our students. >> Yes. Everybody's nodding their head. Discussion.
Discussion. Uh, Director Steves, this is a roll call. Would you do the roll call, please? >> Linda Budro, >> hi. >> Candace Kudson, >> hi. >> Linda Moore, >> hi. >> Jerry Roasha, >> hi. >> Cassie Steves, I Chad Wolf, >> hi. >> John Bellingham. >> Hi. >> Passes 70.
>> Thank you. We'll move on to agenda item 10B. Uh, ask Miss Raceler to come back up again here. Uh, revised fiscal year uh 26 budget presentation. Uh, is there a motion for approval of the revised
fiscal year 26 budget presentation? >> So move. >> Thank you, Director Budro. And is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Director Kenudson. And so that discussion, I will begin. I will turn it over to Miss Raceler. >> So I would just jump in real quick. So
this is an unusual piece for us to do a budget revision this this early in the year. Um, what we looked at, I asked uh Miss Reler to do this uh based off of with the STEM school closing down and us having more students join and we needed
to hire more in August to accommodate that. And then of course realizing our you're going to hear about our October one counts versus what our September one counts was. So, it it just made sense to me to be have a much more transparent picture of where we are financially now
so that as we move into setting our budget in February and March for the following school year, um we at least have an idea that we we don't hopefully have to go through this part again. We've got a revised budget that we will work off of. So, >> thank you, Mr. Benty.
Uh so, the this presentation, as Mr. Venty just uh discussed is really going to focus on uh what our student count looks like and then what our staffing looks like. So those were the two main areas of focus um for this revision.
Um the first few pages are just our standard uh listing of our administrative staff etc. So I just want to jump right to page four where we talk about um some of the budget highlights. So, um, when looking at our average
daily membership and and again, that's what we get funding on is our average daily membership and then a waiting factor is put on that, a pupil unit waiting factor. um in the in the um early start, actually
even before school started, we were seeing very high numbers of enrollments um in especially in our middle school, but but really in our elementaryaries and and the middle school. And so at that time, we had to make some uh
reaction steps to how do we accommodate all these students that we uh feel are going to be coming into our school. So um so we did we reacted we hired uh different staff. We took a long look um
before just you know knee-jerk reaction hiring staff but we did know that we were going to have to accommodate more students than what we had originally planned for back in June. Uh yes, we did know that the STEM school was obviously closing and yes, I had
done some uh projections of increasing. Um but my projections were not high enough. Um that is part of conservative budgeting and that is also part of not having a crystal ball. So um when we are
looking then at the ADM uh count that I used for this revised budget, I used our October one count which was the end of September. If you may remember our um ADM data that we had at that time was
3,86 students and that is what was reported during the October finance committee meeting. uh talking about our September numbers. So using 386 that actually uh was a an increase of um
almost 30 students. It was an increase of 29 students from the 3,57 that um I had used in June uh looking at our uh enrollment projections because of those 29 students. then we
see an increase of roughly $330,000 and that is for the basic gened formula itself. So just having those additional students will raise our revenue by that amount. The other component that
happened during the summer is that we did get to recognize it did come to fruition that we did gain an additional $400,000 in our compensatory. You may remember the conversation that we had when we were looking at our adopted budget back in May and June when we were
talking about it. We thought that we were going to get at least 7.2 million in compensatory. The state did a recalculation. Some districts were winners, some districts were losers, meaning some got more than what they anticipated, some got less
than what they anticipated, and we came out ahead. So we had an additional almost $400,000. then that what uh came in revenue in the form of compensatory. So that's what you're seeing on this page then is that increase.
We also saw increase to some other categoricals that I chose not to list because um I I could list an entire page of of what those are and I I know that we just kind of wanted to get to the heart of where are we what what what are
we really looking at for a net effect because of those increases in students and where we thought we were going to be with what we had for information and enrollment. We did increase our staff count and we also went through negotiations. So when I'm when I was
able to put this revise together, I was able to have a little bit better prediction of uh you know what those settlements will be because when I do this um uh adopted budget again that's you know I'm working in March, April,
May, June trying to figure out what it might look like for a for a settlement for our bargaining groups. And so for those that had already been approved and settled, I was able to include some of those dollars. So what you're seeing for an increase in
expenditure is $824,850. And again, that's for additional staff and also um bumping up the um amount that we actually settled for. Please keep in mind that when I talk these numbers, I'm comparing it to the adopted. So we had already made some
predictions. we'd already assumed that our amounts would be higher than what they were in FY25. This is in addition to those projections as well. So, I just want to make that clear everyone understands. So, as you heard tonight, our fund
balance actually ended better than what I had anticipated when we adopted the um FY26 budget. I had thought we would end FY25 with about a 10.6 six fund balance and
we're ending it with a 14% fund balance. And I this is really confusing and I understand you heard two different numbers from Caroline and now you're hearing a third from me. So uh the numbers that Caroline used were to take
um basically all of the expenditures that we have and compare that to the amount that we have in the unassigned fund balance and that gives us about 18%. The state has a different type of calculation that they use taking different factors into account and
subtracting some of the expenditures. And so they come up with 19.7% and that's the SOD calculation. When I take a look at it, I follow our policy kind of to the tea. And what we're supposed
um recognized what we want for a minimum is to take our expenditures less our LTFM expenditures less uh the um student activities. And so that's how I come up with the 14%.
Still quite a bit above our 9.5% minimum. So that's how we're starting the year, which is which is great news. >> Yes. >> The um other uh budget areas that we had the opportunity to revise then included
food service. So uh we have a little bit better understanding of of where we are with our food service revenue and we are continuing to try to spend down our food service balance because we are still far above what the state is recommending for
a minimum. So they for fiscal year 26 they are still going with the sixmonth reserve is is what they that's the limit that they want to see and we are well beyond that. So we're trying to spend money in areas that uh are allowed for
for food service and as we know our hands are slightly tied with that. So, um, but we're we're purposefully looking at where we can improve and what we can do. And again, the McKinley, uh, remodel of the kitchen, that will certainly take
a lion share of those dollars. So, that will that will be of of help to us. I did adjust community education just slightly and that's due to uh grant activity that we have coming on or grant
activity that fell off as well as um you know just knowing where we are today being able to update some of those figures. Um the next uh uh fund that we always take a look at is our building or construction fund. And again, those
expenditures are going to far outweigh the revenues because we received all the revenue in fiscal year 24. And now we just spend it down until there's nothing till we're done with all of our construction. HVAC is the is the driver there till we're done with those um
remodeling or excuse me enhancements updates. Our debt service internal and irrevocable uh those funds didn't change and they normally don't. The next page then is uh just that graph
of what our student count looks like. And so um you're used to seeing uh you know like a 8 10 year trend of of where we've been. So again starting in fiscal year 21 we were at 3,300 students and as
you can see we are going down um we are going down in uh enrollment. So in fiscal year 25 uh we actually had 329 was what we used for a number. Um that data is not yet final, but we're looking
to end at 3,044, which is which is great. Um I had originally then projected 3,57 uh ADM for this fiscal year. And again, our count as of October 1 was 3,86. So
there's our increase of those 29 kids. I'm still anticipating that we are going to go down in enrollment as the years go on unless um you know we have uh a way to um you know welcome back some of those families that that are going
elsewhere as you saw from the open enrollment net effect that we have. So the next page um shows what was the proposed budget for FY26. So I'm taking
you back to to June. So this is what we looked at in June when you approved the adopted budget. And at that time um what we were looking at was uh if you look at the second column from the right end of
year uh projection projected balance there's that 10.5 forward about 10.6 6 that I was talking about where I thought we would end the year, but instead we ended it with a 14% uh fund balance. So, this is the the fund balance that you
had approved at the June board meeting. So, on page six, you're seeing the general fund broken out by the unassigned and then all of our restricted areas as well as our non-spendable. And then page seven talks about the other funds. So our food service,
community uh community services, construction, etc. So the ending result of that, if we could just uh bring that page up just a little bit, uh the ending result of that uh shows that we had a deficit spend of
4.435. That's what we had in Thank you so much. That's what we had intended uh we would end FY26 with. again, uh that the lion share of that is coming from the construction fund with about $2.5
million there that we're going to deficit spend. We then fast forward to today. And so what we're looking at today for our general fund is um we're starting with our new balance.
We're starting with our 14% in the fund balance. um updated revenues and expenditures, spending down some of our reserves so that we're freeing up dollars in the unassigned. And so today, um we're I'm anticipating that we'll end
our year with approximately 10.84% in our unassigned fund balance. Again, well above um our 9.5% um minimum. You will see then all of our restricted areas those uh as Caroline explained
that the revenue comes in for a specific purpose and we can only spend on a specific purpose. We don't get to choose how to spend those dollars. So then our general uh fund does have expenditures exceeding revenues by 1.45.
If you look at the next page, then this then describes all of the um the additional funds that we have and uh includes uh additions to expenditures for our food service. Um we're seeing the same amount for our construction
fund. And then at the end, what we are anticipating is that overall all the funds that we have, we will see expenditures exceed revenues by about 4.4 million. The last page then gives an example of
what would happen in the next three years if we did nothing. So uh so the actuals for fiscal year 25 that is audited that is what was um acknowledged tonight is that we have a
14% fund balance uh which is 4.5% above our minimum. The projection for FY26 is that in our general fund our expenditures will exceed our revenues by 1.45 45 million, leaving us approximately
uh 1.34% above our minimum. As we look then on to pro uh the projection for fiscal year 27 and 28, um please keep in mind that I'm projecting that we're probably going to continue to
lose students. And I've also conservatively projected a 2% increase in the funding formula. And I've also uh did not do an increase to compensatory as the state continues
to decide how compensatory will be calculated and that's a big deal for us. That's 7.6 million this year. So um that takes into consideration u a a lot of a lot of different factors. So again this is this is the prediction of what we
would look like uh if we did nothing. if we saw that our students in enrollment decline and yet we did nothing with staffing or nothing with programs or you know what it might be. >> So um again this is this is just to give
you a a long range picture of what of what could come. >> Thank you Miss Racer very much board members. A reminder that we do have a motion and a second for approval of the revised fiscal year 26 budget
discussion or questions. Director Wolf, Mr. Chair, uh, Miss Raceler, on this page right here and and I didn't ask it this morning, so my apologies. Um, but I see the actual of 2025 >> and um, it so I guess it would be like
the third line of numbers 1.224 million. That was the increase, right? So then that gets us to a 14% unassigned fund balance. Yep. >> Then if we move over to the second line of numbers, projected 2026, >> if we deficit spend at 1.454
million, >> are if you go down one line, it says then our unassigned balance would be down to 10.84%. >> Correct? >> So now this next one is where I'm really confused to be honest with you. Um the projected 2027 if we deficit spend 1.6
million >> I think that year, right? How do we only then drop by about 610 of a percent when when the year before in this year 2026 we deficit spend less but
we go down you know almost 3.16%. >> Does that you see what I'm saying? >> Yeah I do see what you're saying. Yes. And I do believe that's an error. >> Okay. >> I can correct that and bring that back to the board. >> Okay. Thank you. Something just wasn't tying out there. You're absolutely correct and I apologize for overlooking
that. >> And again to reiterate on this last slide, this is projecting the revenue with declining enrollment but not
reducing expenses as we traditionally have every year that our counts are up or down. >> Absolutely correct. Yeah. It's if we would do nothing, what does this look like? Director Rob, thank you. Just uh the question on increase
>> on um page four that 824,000. Does that include the uh contracts that we're approving tonight? >> No, >> does not. Okay. >> No, it does not approve that. it well so
it does not approve the actual I have projections you know I have projections already in there so uh it it won't be the full dollar amount that that was so yes so there there are projections in there it doesn't include the actual of
what you would be approving tonight >> it's a projection anyway so thank you >> yes >> discussion director Moore Uh yes, on page eight, I think I've asked this before, the um restricted 448 achievement integration revenue. We're
partnering with other schools. >> Yes. >> Uh oneo, right? >> Yes. Y >> and uh Northfield and also >> Yes. >> And I'm just going to comment here. uh
about 11:00 today, I received 135 pages of this budget documents and I uh I don't really care what the reason was, but I think that's unacceptable and I think we need to have more time to look through it.
>> Oh, Director Mo, will you please pull down your microphone? They're unable to hear the recording there. >> Okay. Um where should I start from the beginning? >> Probably back up a little. Yeah. Thank you. >> There. Okay. Uh yeah, 135 pages I received of the
budget documents 2 minutes before 11 today. Uh I don't know I don't care what the reason is but that is unacceptable and I think to be responsible we need this ahead of time. Uh it's not like reading a little novel. It's like you
have to go through it and I didn't feel I had enough time. Uh and I believe that's unacceptable. One of the things too, uh, you know, just the format of the budget. I I know I've talked to you about this before. I would really like
to see in a budget, a really detailed budget. I could list the programs, the positions hired, the salaries, and, you know, and accountability. You can't show the accountability because I don't know if we're even looking at accountability. But, uh, I and I think you said you
could do that. >> Yep. And I I think I'm asking right now if you could do that for us. I'd like to see the programs, the positions hired uh probably since co you know salaries and I don't think you have the accountability but uh and I really don't
want to see um because you know graduation stats or attendance rates uh in in this and that's that's not within the budget but so the budget doesn't really show accountability but I would like to see that and I've talked to you about that before and you
say from what I'm understanding and it it didn't seem it was that difficult of a task. >> It is not hard to present that data. What's difficult is to decipher the data because there is so much data. We have over 5,000 account codes that have it.
Yes. >> And so >> how many do you know how many programs we've with positions hired since the co approximately? I would not know that off the top of >> because I think that would be, you know, really good. And uh I think regarding
this budget too, like I said, I've repeatedly asked for this verbally. I can do this on paper if you need to, but I would like to see the programs we've uh implemented from the monies from the state and federal government, especially via grants. >> That would be every program,
>> state, >> the big the big sources. >> So, how many grants have we taken in? We currently have 42 grants. >> 42 grants. How much money is that? >> Uh it would be hard for me to say off the top of my head. I'm going to go with an estimate of about
four to five million. >> Four to five million. This is coming off the taxpayers because >> So is state resources. Yes. >> Comes off the taxpayers as well. So do property taxes. Yes. >> And I' I'd really like to to see the state and federal and local as well. And
you know, don't get me wrong, grants can be beneficial, but it depends. And I had a constituent ask me today, and I don't know the answer, uh, like a few years ago, the the Chamber of Commerce uh had asked uh uh the schools, I think, in
this the county and the city uh a five-year commitment. It would be $100,000. And uh I that person said, "Where did the money go? Are we spending it whether directly or indirectly?" And so I think we need need more of a detailed budget
instead of and I don't know what that kind of budget that's called but I think for transparency. >> So what you're asking for is more of a managerial budget than a government budget. >> Oh yeah. And uh because I think we need to be accountable to some of these
things. Um and so I'd like somehow if you could do that 5 million. You said 5 million in the grant. >> That's my rough guesstimate. >> That's a lot of taxpayer money and I know people are getting very upset about their taxes
uh at all in all the cities. Otana, I know Farbo. So, um and I I'm not sure how to answer some some uh some of the taxpayers and voters. Thank you, >> Director Robell.
>> Thank you. Uh with all due respect to uh Director Moore, um this is a revised budget from your presentation back in June or June. Um which I think was more detailed at that time than what
this is. We're just saying here are some highlights of revisions based on enrollment because we weren't sure how many were coming from the STEM school. >> Correct. >> Uh we weren't sure how much uh we did know how much we're getting from the state but we didn't know about the
compensatory at that time. So this is not a detailed budget in the standpoint of what you presented in June >> which was far more detailed. >> This is basically saying we had we projected X number of dollars with all this new information we're projecting X
plus. So thank you for the clarification. >> Thank you >> Director Wolf. Mr. Chair. Uh, all due respect, Director Moore, but the revised budget that I'm looking at is 10 pages, notund. And
>> are you are you looking at something different than the >> audit and this was with >> Yeah, but this is the budget. >> This was Okay. >> Right. That that's totally different than what she's presenting here. >> But >> and then real quick, I'm sorry. >> Okay. Um, in in all due respect with regards to the grants being on from the
taxpayers, Miss Racerel, you correct me if I'm wrong or Superintendent Benty, you correct me if I'm wrong. Every dollar other than a donation that we get from somebody is from the taxpayer, whether that's a grant, whether that's a the local level, the state level, or the federal level. Am I correct?
>> That is you are correct. >> And Mr. Sure. And and I think >> director Moore >> the taxpayers need to be aware of that. Um and then also just the detail we said the detailed budget in June but it didn't have the details that I was
looking for. So just for clarification. >> Last call for discussion. A motion to approve the revised fiscal year 26 budget. Hearing none for the motion for approval. All in favor of the motion signify by saying I. I.
>> Opposed? >> No. >> Motion passes 61. >> We've already acted on agenda item 10 C, the audit report. We'll move now move to 10D. Consider approving the change. Thank you very much, Miss Raceler. By the way, thank you. >> Yes, thank you.
>> Consider approving the changes to the employment agreements for 2025 through 2027. Uh, Miss Nicole Yokum, if uh, human resources director, if you want to come forward in case there are questions here. >> Is there a motion for approval of the
changes to the employment agreements for 2025 through 2027? >> So moved. >> Thank you, director Robo. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second, Director Budro and discussion. >> Mr. Chair, if I may start. >> Thank you. Go ahead, Superintendent
Benty. I just want to say how proud I am of our negotiations team on uh the district side. They have worked incredibly uh hard to get these negotiations done so that um all of our people can have their pay uh by the end
of this year and it won't impact their taxes moving forward for the following year. Um that's a that's a big deal uh in some of theirs. Um, and not only that, but in in the fact that they were able to do all of these negotiations and come uh within the board set parameters.
So, I just wish to thank them publicly for the work that they've done to not only do a great job, but also come in within the parameters that this board set. So, thank you. >> Very good. I will preface this also by saying as we get into discussion, discussion
shall be gerine to the motion for approval of these employment agreements as listed. Uh these employment agreements with the community education directors and coordinators uh cabinet and the principles, technicians, IT tech
technicians, etc. on salary salary schedule or salary improvement health insurance uh 403b may match that all those all discussion must uh will be germanine to what's listed here in the
memorandum as proposed uh by miss >> discussion >> director Moore >> um so I I notice we have 185 community ed 31 directors and coordinators, five
employee, excuse me, cabinet principles and six technicians. Um, so I these are administrative positions. I I'm thinking um I I just have to say I have to ask has
any of these positions increased our achievement statistics? Director Moore that I'm going to strike that as that is not gerine to the motion for approval of cell rescheduled as listed. >> Uh one more comment which is probably
not true >> if we were in the private sector what would happen would we want to give everyone a raise? >> Director Moore once again comments should be directed as Germaine to the motion for approval of the employment
agreements. discussion. >> I would like to also uh thank the uh Miss Yokam and the negotiations team for their work there. But this is also in alignment with the budget and discussions we as a board have had
regarding the parameters of our budget and uh our expenditures with salary and here. So very good work and we do appreciate that. Last call for discussion. Hearing none. All in favor of the motion
for considering approval. Um approving the changes to the employment agreements for 2025 through 2027 signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? >> No. >> Motion passes 61.
Uh moving on here. I'm going to add just the 10E. I'm going to ask for a point of personal privilege and the fact that in our consent agenda uh we had we approved the retirement of uh Miss Don Pansky who was a Ferbal High School counselor
for many years highly respected and I would wish to thank her for her years of service for all the kids and staff and what who she helped in the community etc. a great career, greatly appreciated and Don, thank you for your service to
Fable Public Schools and our students. So greatly, greatly appreciated. Thank you, >> Mr. Chairman. >> Point of personal privilege. >> Go ahead, M. >> I would just like to say that I'm very grateful for our staff, especially
Barbie, who has done tremendous work, spent a lot of time on our budget and many details. And I also appreciate the fact that you were available to discuss some issues that I had requested. I had questions
about and I um don't want in any way to have you leave this meeting tonight feeling that you may not have performed optimally. You performed very well in the work that you do for us. And I just wanted to state that. Don't want to
leave here with anyone thinking that we are dishonoring any one of our staff. We appreciate our staff, all of them. And I just wanted to say that, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. >> Thank you. Agenda item number 11, dates
to remember information. Uh one week from today, December 1, 2025, 5:30 p.m. is our regular business meeting and truth and taxation hearing. Agenda item number 12 is adjournment. Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> So move. >> Thank you, Director Budro. Is there a second?
>> Second. >> Thank you, Director Steves. Any discussion? Discussion. Discussion. All in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. oppose.