Okay, it's uh 6:01. We can call this truth and taxation meeting to order. Um, as far as roll calls concerned, Jess is down here. Is >> Dave not yet? >> Dave is not logged in. So, it's uh just
us for now. Shall we stand and say the pledge of allegiance? >> I aliance 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. >> Okay. Are there any changes to this agenda? I don't think we can even change the >> No. >> Okay. Could I get a motion to approve the agenda for the truth and taxation meeting? So moved.
>> Thanks again. Is there a second? >> Second. All those in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. Motion carried. All right. We're ready for the truth and taxation presentation. Thank >> welcome everybody
to the truth and taxation meeting here at Leroy Australander Public School. It is December 15, 2025 and it is past 6 o' um
so here we are moving along. Um >> yeah, right. >> Just like looking at all those numbers. >> All right. So the levy process actually starts back in September. If you
remember that board meeting, the board was asked to certify a proposed property tax levy. And most school boards um certify a levy that is uh it's said to be the maximum amount of
the levy that can be passed. So you you don't really approve a dollar amount at that point. If you would have approved a dollar a month on that evening, it would have been $1,244 1,244,2159. This evening the amount that will be
proposed to you is1,245,1187 which is $917 difference. So just minor changes that happened in those calculations at the state. Um the figures are used for the proposed tax notices that are sent to the county
auditor and then also out to all of the taxpayer payers like yourselves. And all of that has to be due by September 30th. So we don't know exactly how much the levy will be. So that's why they are set
to the um to the maximum amount. Um, and then we have to have a truth and taxation hearing, which we're doing tonight. And then we adopt the final levy, and that has to be done by December 28th. And then that information gets sent to the counties, and it rolls
all out. So, the truth and taxation hearing, it must include a discussion of the current budget. It must include a discussion of the proposed levy. It must be held after 6 PM and it can be held during a regular
board meeting much like we're doing tonight. It just kind of comes forward a little bit and you must allow the public to provide input. So the information that is discussed during the truth and taxation hearing is mostly a review for the school board as we have discussed these items
previously. However, the law requires that we provide one more opportunity for the public to hear and understand these items before the board takes a action to approve the final levy. Tonight, I will talk about the 2526 budget in a very broad term in very
broad terms and this is based on budget the budget document approved by the board in uh June of 2025. And if anybody wants to learn more than what we go over tonight, I'll be happy to go over that with you at any point in
time if you want to make an appointment. So I will then discuss the proposed levy after that. So some points to remember is that the revenue formulas are set by the state legislature except for voter approved referendum
and local levy and state aid are a mix and are both set by the state legislature. An increase in local taxes. So the increase that you as yourselves see
um may not necessarily mean an increase in revenues for the school district. So just because you're paying more taxes at your home doesn't mean that the school is going to see more taxes here because a lot of those taxes might
belong to other other areas. So um so for the 2526 budget and doing an overview on that, the preliminary budget was adopted back in June of 2025
and we will be doing a update of that budget sometime around April of 2026. we call the revised budget because budgets are a living document and they change regularly as new information comes to light and has received. So we may find
that we don't have a triad teacher and then we have to hire one and we might not find one until January. So now the budget has changed for every month between September and January already. So that is how this is a living document
and it is the best guess that you can educated guess that you can make ahead of time to put that budget in place. But it is important that you do that back in June so that the district can you know run based on some documentation of those
numbers and a financial goal. So the 2526 expenditure budget is 5,376,000 $357. And at this time that's 3.35% less or about $186,000
less than the previous year's actual expenses. And mostly that's due to a change in uh purchase services. And the majority of expenditures as you would expect are spent in the general fund. 87%
in fact are spent in the general fund. And the other funds are there. Yeah. Community service, scholarship fund, food service, and debt service.
And that accounts for about 13%. So the general fund again 87% of all the district expenditures are instructional which is general instruction and special ed instruction administration
media center transportation maintenance which also includes capital and health and safety and counseling and nurses as well. The expenses that it does not include in the general fund are the pool and the
activity accounts. And then it does include those actually in the general fund. It includes the pool and the activity count. But what is excluded is school nutrition, community education, long-term debt, and
scholarships. So the general fund revenues are approximately 4.72 million for 2526 and this slide shows the general breakdown in those where those uh come from. As you can see the vast majority comes from state aids and the levy.
That's a total of 86% of the budget. So the state aids is just over three million and the levies are 1.42 42 1,442,000 approximately. Other than that, we have
federal aids of approximately 122,000 and local revenues of 528,000. So, the general fund expenditures are budgeted at approximately 4.7 million. Again, um, as you can see, the majority of the general fund dollars are
spent on direct instruction. Again, that's general, special, and vocational ed. The next category is labeled as support and that makes up 12% of the budget. That's technology support, media center,
staff development, uh, pupil support as well, which is counseling, health services, and transportation. And the sites and buildings category is 16% of the budget. And that includes salaries and benefits of all the
maintenance staff, snow removal, utilities, general repairs and upkeep of the buildings and capital and longterm uh this long-term facility maintenance funded building projects of which we've had quite a few.
Um, and that is so the long-term facility maintenance plan is a 10-year plan. It can go in the negative and then come back up into the positive as long as it's positive after 10 years. And that is actually where we're at. So, if you do see that in your review of um the
documents that you will give tonight, that that is a planned thing. So, and finally, the last portion of the expenditure bud budget is administration, which makes up 14% of the 2526 general fund budget, and that
includes all of the school board expenses, legal fees, the superintendent's office, principal and clerical support, um administrative portion of technology support, business office, liability insurance,
workers compensation insurance, annual audit fees and district memberships. So, it touches almost everybody in here. So, drum roll. This is what we've been anticipating this evening for. Um, so
the 25k 26 tax levy that is being brought to you to approve is again 1,245,118.87. 87. This is split into two portions. Um, one is voter approved. Um, and it's done through calculation
and it's $69,682. And then there are what's called other levies and those are made up of the OPAD debt service which is done by schedule when you enter into debt service, the community education which is done by statute, capital and deferred
maintenance, health and safety and long-term uh facilities maintenance, lease levy, safe schools career and technical aid. Those levies right now are $635,436. So you can tell it's almost a 50/50
split there. So if that one goes away, >> can I ask you a question? >> So you when you say that they're um adjusted based on a calculation, right? So are the voter approved part of it that way as well? >> The voter approved part is a calculation
based on your adjusted pupil units. Okay. >> So, it's 400 46 what was approved was 46 approved. So much per unit is what that is. >> Yes. So, as your pupil units broken down that
is the determination of that. Any more questions on that? So, the levy changes this year. The three funds that are um fed by this levy are the general fund. That one decreased
by 2.54% or $26,500. The community education fund increased by 13.28% or $16,000. And then the OPED debt service, which is our long-term debt, decreased, and again, that's by a schedule by $2,000.
And we're almost to the end of that. So overall though, that's a 1% um change from last year's levy. And then you can see that the three property tax um the property tax levy provides revenue for three of the
district's eight funds. The general community and OPED which is debt service. And this gives you an idea of how the property tax revenue is divided among those funds and how it will be sent. So, our next step is to ask for the
public input and then the school board will take formal action to certify the 25 payable 26 levy um to meet the end of the month deadline. Kendall, do you have anything you want to ask? >> Dylan,
any questions? Well done, Sharon. Thank you. Um, so if there are no questions or uh comments, uh, we'll go ahead and
have a motion to adopt a resolution approving the truth to taxation presentation and certifying our levy at 1,245,118.87. that >> probably have it memorized by now.
>> Any any questions before we If not, would there be a motion to adopt that resolution? I'll make a motion. >> Okay. Thank you, Dan. Is there a second? >> Thanks, Kyle. Any discussion or
questions before the vote? If not, uh, looks like that'd be a roll call vote, right? >> Yes. >> Nicole and you're Dan. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. All right. Thank you. Sorry, Nicole. >> I get a brain freeze every once in a while. >> Okay. I don't think there's anything else on the truth and taxation meeting. So I need a motion to adjourn.
>> So move. >> Thanks Kyle. >> Second. Thanks Dan. All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried. Um so that was 616. So any u
ready to start the next meeting? No party minutes or anything like that? Okay. Well, let's call the regular meeting to order. at 617. Um, roll call is the same unless >> Okay.
All right. Um, we have a few changes to the agenda as you can see there. Um, we would uh recommend uh we're recommending to accept a good foundation donation. Um, recommendation to the hiring of
Trevor Kerry as junior high boys basketball coach. and a comment there about uh school district which we talk about in a bit. Anything else? Any other changes to the agenda? If not, would someone like to make a
motion to approve those changes? >> Thanks, Nicole. Is there a second? Second. >> Thanks, Angie. All those in favor say I. >> Opposed. Motion carried. All right. We need to approve the agenda. Can I get a motion to approve the
agenda? >> I'll make a motion. >> Thanks, Dan. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thanks, Kyle. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carried. Okay. Any public input.
All right, moving on. Recognition and good things happening. So, we just like to wish the happy holidays to all the staff, students, and the community members here in our district. And the other thing, which wouldn't be a good thing happening, but we would like to uh say to the Steuartville School
District and their students, staff, and community that uh our thoughts and prayers are with them for the tragedy that happened up there this past week. So, um, I guess we're ready for reports. I'm sorry, I forgot your name. >> Kaylee L.
>> Thank you. So, go ahead and give the audit report, please. >> I see you once a year. Get this. Sure. >> You just Yeah. >> Oh, I missed it. >> Hey, we met with Sharon and Jen earlier
to go over the financial statements in greater detail. Tonight I'll go through the PowerPoint in a more summarized version, but I did give you the hard copies if anybody does want to see that information in greater detail. Next slide. Starting with the audit opinion, we're an unmodified opinion. It means it's a clean opinion. We feel the
financial statements are fairly stated in accordance with GAP. We didn't have any issues with the audit. Minnesota legal compliance. We test various areas like collateral held at the bank, the bids throughout the year, the letters that we sent all the board members to disclose to us if they have any conflicts of interest. We had no exceptions with this testing. We have
two comments in our internal control letter. Uh one is in the preparation of the financial statements that just means that you rely on Miss Schaffeer to help prepare those and segregation of duties due to the size of the accounting staff of the district. Both are common comments at our districts that we audit. We wouldn't expect it to change and no
um issues with uh the student activity compliance either. Everything was um in line there. Starting with average daily membership or ABNs. This is what drives your district's funding. So the first few about half of the slide we're about in the 265 ADM range took a dip in 2022
to 240 and we've kind of built it back up. So fiscal 25 we added six and we're back up to 257 with the increase in ADMs. We'd expect to see an increase in the revenues on the next slide typically. However, we did see a a decline. So more revenues
5.1 million. Starting with the property taxes in blue there. We did bring the levy down some. Um and the delinquent taxes were up as well. So our collections were down. State aids in the yellow. So related to the increase in our ADMs, our gen was up about um
83,000. And then our compensatory revenue was up as well. Uh the decrease there though is related to our special education. Go back. Sorry. Um related to our special education that was down about 290,000. So just a comment there.
um the way the districts enter their special ed it's it's ever changing. So last year fiscal 24 when we issued the reports um the most recent report they gave us was October and that was $172,000 higher than what it ended up being if
you pulled the reports like in March. So what that means is you didn't lose out on any money but just the timing of where it's recorded. We recorded too much in fiscal 24 because that's what they told us, the state told us by they and state and BE and then so you had to take the the difference in the current
year. Um so ultimately fiscal 24 in your general fund looks like you had a bigger surplus than you truly had and you have a bigger deficit in 2025 than you really had. So maybe the general fund you can look at that a little more. As far as this as far as this from the state aid,
right? We if you average out the two. >> Yes. >> We ended up >> Yes. >> flat. Okay. So, it's not like they withheld money from us. >> It didn't change what you ultimately would have received. It's just when we recorded it, you know, they give us a number and we we use that because that's the most, you know, up to-ate number
that they give us. She already even questioned them on it because she thought it seemed high and they said, "Nope, use that." And then it ended up changing later. So, it's kind of out of our control when that happens. But um so federal aid is there in the bright blue the decrease we didn't have esester funds this year so um that's going to
change there and then others anything that isn't in those other categories um investment income our student activities the decrease there our stack fees were down our gate fees and our revenues from other districts like snack is down as well so in the next slide we're looking at the same thing the revenues in a
pigraph um format so this is showing how the expenditures of the district are funded um the mix changed a little bit with the the noser funds this year. So, federal is down and then state was up. So, this district relies heavily on their operating record for property tax. Some other a lot of our other districts
typically are between about 15 and 19% of property tax funded and we're at 23%. And that's just that's just how it is. We need um that funds. We need a teacher in every classroom regardless of how many ADMs we have. Um so that's the mix of the revenues.
Looking at our U property tax levy history, then the year under audit is 2025. So there was a slight decrease and then in 2026 next year we're bringing it back up to be about the same as 2024. Um all the expenditures here 2025 in yellow starting with administration the
salaries were up some with some sick leave payout support services were down with decrease in our um salaries. Regular instruction was up some um increase with salaries. Our sub costs were up and then um voluntary prek this
year. So those um salary costs were in the general fund versus previously the preschool and the community um service fund. Instructional about the same special ed salaries were up some. You see the decrease there in community edge what I mentioned volunteer prek was in
the regular instruction and then community at director left in January. So the salaries were down there. Instructional support down some or internet service costs were down. pupil. This includes our food service fund with the decrease as you can see in red in
fiscal 24. Purchased some furniture with ESR funds. We had the offsetting revenue coming in which is why we had the increase in expenses. We didn't have those costs this year. So those expenses were down. And then um sites and buildings. Um this year there was roof
and pool repairs um as well as finishing the gym floor. And then fiscal another is our um liability insurance and our bond payments there. Looking at the general fund then. General fund operated at a deficit of 452,000. You can see the green there,
the negative. Our revenues were down. We did bring our levy down. We did have the esester funds this year. And as I mentioned, the large decrease then is the special ed expenditures there in the yellow. We did have an increase with those the gym floor being finished, the roofing and the pool repairs as well as
the sub cost being out. So in 2024, you see the positive amount going upwards. That's what I was talking about. That would have been down by about 170 and then this one would have been if you flipped them just with a special bet. So we don't anticipate that'll happen again
but same thing it could change. So um looking at the general fund balance so total fund balance is about 1.1 million. Um restricted balances there in the yellow did increase. Um things like that that have restrictions are basic skills, student
personnel aid, staff development. Um and then unassigned did drop as well, unassigned, assigned and non-spendable. So your current policy is to have three months of expenditures in total fund balance, which is about 25%. You're
currently sitting at 22.4%, so a little below that. That's looking at your total. um the previous year you're at 32% so it did drop some. Another thing I wanted to point out it's not your policy but it is important to make sure we're still paying attention to the unassigned
um because if our restricted is building those are restricted for specific purposes so it's not free available to us whatever we need. We just don't want to have a conversation where we're surprised and all of a sudden an SOD which is statutory operating deficit we're not there. Um, but that would be a
negative 2.5% and they they don't include restricted funds in that. Um, so that percent's closer to about 12 1.5%. If you strictly look at unassigned, that's at 7.7%. Um, so again, trying to keep our
planning in line, get us back up to um our 25% of three months and then try to maintain it, right? That's the goal. So looking at our food service fund operated a surplus of about $20,000. Our revenues were up some with our food and
sales and then our expenditures were down just slightly. We we just purchased a convention oven in the prior year that we didn't have this year. So a little bit of capital. So you can see the food service funds been fluctuating as they change the programs. The last two years they've been operating under the same premiums from the state. Next slide then is our food service fund
balance total 126,000. Um so it's a healthy reserve. Uh currently the policy for that is six months now to have over six months of expenses in that um which is 50% and right now we're at 59%. They're talking
about bringing it back down to three months which is 25% um which it was pre-COVID. I don't know if that's official yet. We haven't been told. Um so currently we should probably think about how we're going to get that down some. Community service fund then operated at
a surplus of 63,000. uh revenues were up some. Um we were able to use some of the compensatory revenue that we get for basic skills because of the restricted funds in the general fund and we can um use some of that um revenue and expense offsetting
in the community service fund. That's that was the main increase in revenue expenditures decrease with the majority is the voluntary prek being in the general fund this year as well as the community at director meeting in January. Taking a look on the next slide, total fund balance is 173,000.
Just to note, the community had operating in a deficit that's mainly the Cardinal Care and Cardinal kids. The other program, school readiness, ECF, those are operating at positives. Moving into the debt service one, then we bring in our revenues from the
property tax levy as well as the state a credits and we use that to make our bond principle and interest payments. Well, looking at the next slide, total fund balance about $20,000 and that's available for our future debt uh payments. Our bond that's coming um off
will be done in 2027. Our scholarship fund on the next slide about 572,000. This is the money available to award our students with scholarships. We paid out about $52,000 scholarships in fiscal 2025.
The next few slides then is our comparison charts. Just to point out the state average and the districts that comparable to sizes are 2024 because that's the most recent information that we have available. Um so we were looking at this our um expenses were actually down slightly and our ADMs were up. So
we're able to spread the cost across a few more um students. So we're at two thou 2347. We're above both districts of comparable size in the state average. But just to note, you're probably close to the the end of the um comparison because not a lot of districts are below the 250 area.
So when you're comparing that to somebody with 500, that's double, right? So that's quite a bit range. So you still need a certain amount of admin and support staff to be able to operate your district and you could, you know, add several ADMs and not have to add any additional. But that's probably why, you
know, when you're looking at that wide comparison of why it looks um like you're above them. And then regular instruction then we were able to maintain the testes were up some but with a decrease in ADMs we maintain pretty much the same as the prior year. So this is where you want to be spending your money as you're spending it on the students. So if you
want to be over in an area this is the one you'd want to be over in. Then looking on the next slide at your general fund in total again maintained from the prior year. So 19,237 above in both areas but you have those capital costs gym floor the roofing
repairs the pool repairs things like that. So, um, there's always going to be certain expenses just operating around the district, but just maintaining those and trying to get back up to our our policy that we're we have in place. We're also just a note, the previous 22
to 24, we had increased expenses, but we also had offsetting revenue for some of those things. Um, you know, with the faster dollars or grants coming in when we purchased the iPads, the vans, things like that. Um, so just the last slide is our summary. uh general fund operated at
a deficit of 452,000 ended at 1.1 in fund balance. Um noting here that we're up at 22.4% of our current general fund expenditures is looking at total fund balance. Um I did put 7.7 that's our unassigned but if we combine what the SOD looks at with the
assigned it's more like 12 and a half%. Should have noted that too. Food service then operated at a surplus of $20,000 and ended at $127,000 fund balance. Our community service operated at a surplus of 63,000 ended with a balance of 173,000 and our openup debt service fund
has a balance of 20,000 in fund balance at the end of the year. Is there any uh questions on any of that information? >> Well, thank you very much. Okay, you ready? >> Okay. Um, we'll introduce Katrina main
the new student rep. Uh, next month in January, uh, sports, winter sports have been competing. Music, middle school, high school concert was last Monday. Elementary concert is tonight. Zoom council candy cane and hot chocolate
fundraiser for our Christmas week and hall holiday dress up days. FFA contests are ongoing. Um Audrey M competed in the creed competition at today's Minnesota State FFA leadership summit. Uh second quarter midquarter was on
December 12th. We have a half day on Friday, December 19th. And winter break is December 20th to January 4th and classes resume on January 5th. Thank you. >> Aaron, do you have anything for us? >> No, I'm not going to bore you tonight,
guys. Sorry. I'll let you get through December. >> Okay. >> That's nice of you. >> Merry Christmas. >> All right, Jan. How about you? >> Just a couple things. um similar what Dave mentioned earlier, our neighboring
community was rattled and I just want to um really again extend on behalf of our teachers and staff uh huge um lots of thoughts and prayers and hugs sending out to our our neighbors at Steuartville. Um such a wonderful
community that's been pretty rattled. Um in saying that too, uh Becky has been I I must give a shout out to her. She was I called her immediately on Friday. Um we texted throughout the weekend and of course we met up today again just to make sure we have supports here too
because we know that um students and staff are affected by this and know people. Um but also one thing she is doing too she is in you've heard of Fernbrook before but they are now offering supports to staff not just students. So, we are going to partner
with them um whenever our staff may need some additional supports. So, we're pretty excited to share that with them. Uh as Kendall said, we have a new uh schoolboard student representative and she will be joining us in January um
during the reorg meeting, Katrina Maine. Uh exceptional young lady. Kendall will mentor her through her senior year here these last few months. and then Katrina will take over in the fall all by herself. Uh so we're pretty excited for
her with that. Uh let's see here. Uh just so you all are aware, uh weekly I'm going to be meeting with Mr. Hunger Halt and uh activities director Carrier. And we're going to go through things such as student items within the
activities department, the Minnesota State High School League, any rules and policies that we maybe we need to know about any handbook issues, any financials, and that will especially be coming up in January. Uh coaches and advisors, things like, you know, are the positions being filled, things like
that. facility scheduling, cooperative, professional development opportunities, roadblocks and challenges, celebrations and accomplishments. And we've met twice so far. Twice so far. So, we're going to be meeting every week. Uh, let's see
here. The next thing is oh um now that insurance has wrapped up um and it wrapped up really well and we have had some really positive feedback and both Sharon and Angie are on our insurance and Aaron too I'm sorry are on the committee but we've had some really
positive feedback remember this is our second year using Benefita and the only really negative comments because I did do a survey with our committee the only negative comments are they keep getting bills in the mail even though we pay the bills. That's that's kind of the biggest
negative I've gotten so far. So, so we're going to work on that part of it. Um, but a couple other things, little tweaks that we think we can do along the way, working in partnership uh with the insurance company, but overall really good feedback. Um, and I'll continue to
update you guys on that, too. Uh, let's see here. Oh, IA, that's our kind of environmental protection institute. They come in regularly. last Friday they were here all day and they were actually doing kind of one of their last asbests
inspections. Um, and so I'll get a report on that. I'll be sure to share it with all of you, too. That's always fun to get. Uh, we will have our next building and grounds meeting on January 6th. We did receive a quote from Peak
Windows and so we're going to kind of uh look at that and dissect it a little bit and see what we can do. And I also am in contact with MDE and business manager Peterson in terms of how we can fund some of the ideas with the windows. So, um should be a really really good
meeting. But that starts at 4:30 that night. 4:30. Um I'll send a reminder email to uh to the board. Uh let's see here. You'll be receiving every February, March, you do get information from me on the school district calendar.
Uh you have a first reading and a second reading. And of course our staff has been heavily involved. The principles meet and of course the superintendent meet in terms of the consortium. And so right now the law in the state of Minnesota has changed where we can next
year meet before Labor Day. So that is a hot topic right now with the consortium administrative teams. We do our calendars early like I said February March it's in front of you. you will get information probably January, February about what we as a district and
consortium plan to do. Um, but you guys will be right in the mix of it when it all comes out. But I just wanted to give you another heads up on that. Uh, let's see here. Maybe I give you two of them here. I'm sorry.
uh from last month. Just a followup, you guys received my email. Some concerns came to uh Mr. Stern, so I just wanted to make sure you received that email. Uh that payment was made today. actually ironically December pay accurately to
our long-term sub and that in front of you you saw and which you'll deal with tonight in terms of personnel. Uh we go right with the contract um with this particular long-term subbing item with uh Kathy Dudley who you will see tonight. So they're all taken care of.
That's all no issues whatsoever there. Um, let me remind you too, I know Cali brought this up a couple times that we are about 300,000 up or down in terms of our budget, but you were told way back in October and then in November. You may
recall this sheet that yes, we were predicting it. Sharon actually predicted it last year. You felt kind of funny about it and then I reminded you all and and now the auditor of course held us accountable to those numbers. So, it's all there as expected. Um otherwise a
huge thank you to Sharon for doing such a great job on the audit too. It's very difficult and um she definitely crosses her tees and dots her eyes in every single piece of that budget and so my hats off to her. I learned so much from
her through this process. So Sharon, thank you for that very much. It was a great audit again. So that's it. >> Thank you. Um, are there are there any schoolboard committee reports?
I don't think we have any committee meetings this holiday season. So, um, we'll move on to the consent agenda. Um, are there any questions? It's great we have Sharon here with us, right? Are there any questions regarding the
financials that we receive? Oh, I got a question about the city water bill is $1,600
this month, which was $600 last year or last month. Um, and I look I went up to get our usage and it looks like it's going to be $2500
for the end of the year. Uh, so clearly we have major leaks. >> Yeah, obviously there's something going on. They went from I mean 600 was the high over this past year and
that was um the start of school se or the end of August since through September 9100 gallons to 25,700 gallons and that sounds like a pool issue. >> It's not pool. This is just the this is
just the school >> and now the 40,500 you know when we were last year October >> 502
$92 $2 $92 $109. So, okay. Well, it sounds like that's something that should be investigated, huh? >> So, um maybe you guys can just get back
to us with the email as far as what >> we'll do in email. >> That's what we find out about. Yeah. at least shut the leaves off cuz that's clearly what's
9100 gallons of use to 25,000 a month sit standing around somewhere. >> Yeah. Well, >> sinks running to the bathroom. >> Okay. >> Absolutely. >> Sounds good. >> Good touch. Absolutely.
>> Let us know. Okay. Um, any other questions on the financials? Okay. Um, no fundraisers. We do have a donation that was added to the agenda. Uh we'd like to uh thank the community
foundation for their generous donation of $1,000 for bikes for books. Um personnel items. Um there's a recommendation for us to approve the resignation of Katherine Dudley as accounts payable
and approve the hiring of Georgin Carlin to do that part-time accounts payable position. And then next would be a recommend recommendation to approve the hiring of Kathy Dudley as a full-time math teacher
um replacing um as a long-term job replacing Carrie. And then um a recommendation from the activities office to hire Lindsay Mils as a junior high boys basketball coach. and recommend us to approve the hiring
of Brianna Dimmel as a pair professional. In addition, it is recommended to hire uh Trevor Carrier as another junior high boys basketball coach. >> We have do Trevor. We did that last month.
>> I don't have last agenda. >> I do right last time. Perfect. >> Okay, Bill. All right, cross that line. >> Just make sure I guess >> email.
>> So, cross off D5. >> Okay. Very good. Um, any questions on any of those things on the consent agenda? >> If not, is there a motion to approve the
the consent agenda, please. >> I'll make a >> Thank you, Dan. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Thanks, Nicole. Any questions or comments before we uh vote?
If not, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carried. Okay. Um, moving on to the action items. Um, we need to have a motion to approve the audit that we just
were presented with tonight. Any questions or discussion about that? If there is none, someone like to make a motion approving the audit. >> I'll make a motion to approve the audit. >> Thank you, Nicole. Is there a second? Second.
>> Thanks, Kyle. Any questions or discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. Motion carried. All right. Last month we uh decided to
uh form a school board retention. Well, it's not school board, but a school student and >> staff retention. >> We put school board on there because the committee policy >> 213. We have to
>> Ah, Gotcha. Gotcha. Gotcha. Okay. Do you have a list of the folks that are going to be on this? >> It's Jessica, Dan, and Dave Far. Do you have any others? >> Uh, yep. We have a few teachers that are
very willing and want to be on it. And then >> Okay. Any questions about that? and you guys will reapprove it in January, but we legally have to make it a board committee per policy first.
>> So, it'll be listed as one of our >> three board members. I'm going to skip that. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> No problem. Just remember that in January because you'll get a list and just say, "Yep, that's not a big deal." >> Yep. >> Okay.
All right. Very good. Is there a motion to approve that? add that as one of our schoolboard committees. >> So move. >> Thanks Ben. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thanks, Dan. All those in favor say I. >> Opposed. Motion carried.
All right. So, we need to uh approve a resolution to recognize the election combined polling places within district 499. Um I assume that that is a >> happens every once in a while. Yes. Mau
County and reached out and said we can do a one-time resolution for both Mau County and Filmore County. That's why you see the townships in front of you on the form I sent you. Um, so we do this on occasion. I did reach out to the city to make sure it was still if city hall was still accessible to us if we ever
would combine our polling places and they came back with a yes. So that's about any other questions on that. If not, is there a motion to adopt a resolution
recognizing those combined polling places within our district? >> Thanks, Angie. Your name, too. >> Is there a second? >> All right. Thanks, Nicole. Uh, any questions or discussion?
All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Oh, sorry. Sorry. I'm sorry. It's a roll call. >> Yeah. >> Nicole. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. Okay. Uh now we have another resolution
about the uh paid family medical leave for our school district. And Jan, if you would like to >> Sure. >> Let us know everything you know about. >> Yes. This was so much fun. >> One of the worst things that the state decided to do.
>> It's been pretty tough. It's been pretty tough. I tell you, you guys have been You have received quite a few emails from me. Also, the staff has as well. and we have done everything in our power to post things on walls and um have handouts, whatever it takes um to make
sure we're compliant and well within the statute of this. Um so I brought this up to you last month um and in front of you and Kyle, you you came in a little later than the other three, but there is a handout for you if you could just stick that into
it. Look, Dave, please show them what that looks like. Yes. Oh, >> yeah. Could you just stick that into that PowerPoint I gave you last month? Because there's the numbers that I didn't have before um for substitute costs. But all of this is basically it is it's family medical leave on
steroids I guess is how you could say it. Um basically there is some ownership if we don't really have a lot of control of this. I can say that. So I'll say this in a nutshell. Um businesses or school districts do not have control of this. If somebody chooses to utilize
this, that is their absolute right to do that and they go through a process through the state of Minnesota for approval, then the state of Minnesota almost acts as though they're the employer essentially of this person. I don't know how they're going to possibly
do that. Um, but that is kind of what it comes down to. And so, um, there are some no doubt restrictions um, with these leaves of absence. Um, but what we have in front of you is kind of a balanced approach. The resolution tonight, it's a balanced approach where
we want to protect the district. Um, because this could blow up into pretty pretty ugly people taking leave all the time and we just don't have a balance for that. We just don't. Um, but we also want to make sure we are giving them what we legally need to give them. So,
the resolution tonight will show you um that. What am I missing? gonna that's in a nutshell, but please read my my handout. Please read all my emails, all the links I sent to staff. Uh you received all those as well. Um we
are available for staff at any time. We've already had two staff members. Contact us about use of it. Um and so we work with them on any questions that we maybe can answer. There's a lot we can't answer um because it is out of our
hands, but the two staff members we've worked with have been great. Have been great. Any questions? It's a lot to digest. So, if you need this month, we can all we can keep talking about this every month if you want us to. Um that's not a
problem. That's not a problem. And I'll I'll constantly be sending you updates if I get them from the state as well. And basically what it is is it kind of works like FICA. So >> 4% of your salary will be put into this
fund. Um and then when people apply from the state, they're going to draw from that pool. Well, right now there is no pool except for the legislature set aside a bunch of money to fund that.
Um I was told in one conversation to the state that if we find that we have a lot of people that take leave and then have to pay for their substitutes that there are grants available by legislature setting aside another pool of money. So, just so you know that, but the employees
will see a deduction in their wages and the district is um proposing the 444% maximum to have the employees taken out because that could be >> up to what 20 weeks or something.
>> It totals up to 20. >> So stupid. >> So this so you guys know and I talk about this often regularly. I'm on a a superintendent Zoom meeting at least monthly if not twice a month, but you guys are going to get a kick out of this. There's a local superintendent, I
must say regionally local, not local within our consortium. So, let me clarify that, but regionally local that has a person going on a leave for child care, bonding with a baby. During that bonding time that they're hoping to get
approved through by the states, he she is also going to be going on a cruise with he she's husband or wife without the baby. Now the superintendent and principal know about this.
>> So what do they do? >> Right? It's like that's not bonding leave >> when you do that. >> So they don't know what to do. they have calls in and haven't got a response yet. But so that's just I surely am not suggesting that will ever happen here
but there are places out there many of you will see that in your own professions um that that will happen. Um so just be prepared and deed is what it's called who kind of oversees all of this. It's a department up there.
Now, I sent you a link also about how if somebody goes on leave here, um they can pick up another job somewhere else. So, get double the income if they >> There's a whole FAQ just about teachers though, isn't there? >> There is. >> So, I did send you that link as well.
So, more and more stories will be coming out. I'll keep you ab breast if things, you know, get crazy around here. Um so far so good, but again, it's just we're in our infancy stages starting January 1. >> People will ways to abuse it. >> Yes. And it will it will hurt us. It
will hurt us. >> It will hurt everybody. >> Yeah. I mean, we because we I mean, you have the three years in front of you. You know what I just told Kyle to put in his PowerPoint in terms of substituting, but when you look at like that third year, um that was an unknown. That was
long-term sub leaves. There was a couple people that um had medical leaves and a maternity leave. You can't predict those things. you know, we've been pretty consistent just under 10,000 and they doubled >> and that was just how it is. So now
looking at that year is probably what we'll budget for to be honest with you. >> You know, we're going to budget higher than lower like we always do. Well, you saw us for sure. Along with that, the supplemental payments um that is we
would the district hopefully would recommend to allow the employees to top off. So, they're not going to make their total salary. Not I mean, some might be pretty close, but I think $1,300 a week is the
maximum. And so if anybody doesn't want, you know, if they don't make close to their month or weekly salary, they can top off by taking some of their paid leave that they have currently, whether it be sick leave, personal leave, or vacation, something like that. But they
have to take it in increments of a half a day. So and it we want you know to afford families the idea is to allow families to take such leave and we want to accommodate
and you know make sure that our employees know that they're important but we also try to have to balance that with the budget as well. And so topping off kind of does that by otherwise if you didn't top off and they didn't ever
use that then they'd have all that vacation and time off left for later. >> So for intermittent >> it's all a balancing act as well. Is the one hour minimum is that the state requirement or is that a you like a district requirement? And that's >> that is that's set by the district.
>> And you chose that I'm guessing because you could do a half a day, but if you're limiting it to one, somebody hopefully is going to take that one, leaving us with less sub pay. >> Yes. Yes. Exactly. A lot of school districts just went from saying you can only take a half a day of
sick leave down to an hour because maybe they can get their appointment taken in an hour and you don't have to hire a sub because we can share. >> Yeah. >> You know, so it'll cut costs that way. So that type of thing. >> So that was >> just more to keep track of.
>> Exactly. Pretty >> unfunded mandate. Okay. Anybody got any questions about uh about the PFML? >> But if you do have questions or if people come to you with questions,
please don't hesitate to send them our way. Um I feel like we're experts now. We've had so many meetings and webinars and Q&As's. It's kind of crazy. But please send them our way or any of you any questions. We will help. We will
help. The state website was actually pretty informative. >> It was I I read a lot of that. My big meeting I think is Thursday for hours. So >> it's very >> and I called there and they were very helpful. >> So do they inform us if they're not
approved for the meeting or if they're approved for the state? >> I I would assume they would because we have to balance that out. >> They talk to the employee. So the employee would have to >> there's a letter that gets sent which is
usually taken to us. >> So the employee applies but they're recommended highly recommended to you know tell the employer what the plan is before they put in their plan. >> Okay. So what you've got here on the
agenda, Jen, that is the wording of this resolution or Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> That is our law essentially. >> Okay. Anybody have any further questions?
Otherwise, we will need to have a motion to adopt the resolution as written here in our agenda. I'm not going to read it all. You guys can read >> and it will be posted so our staff will will see it. Someone like to make that motion.
>> So, >> thanks Angie. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thanks, Nicole. This will be another uh roll call vote. >> Yes. >> Nicole. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yeah.
hesitantly. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> You know, but Kylie mentioned it tonight. You know, laws change all the time, whether it's from Congress or MDE. Um, even tonight, you know, she had
things that she's never talked about before, but she legally now has to talk to you about. Uh, you know, that's just every day it's something different, and that's just schools, but it's like that everywhere you go. This is just one more thing. We're going to deal with it. We're going to deal with it.
>> Don't have a choice. >> Don't have a choice. >> Okay. Um looks like the uh district calendar is as as follows. As uh Kendall said, it was on early release on the 19th.
Uh the Christmas break will be from December 22nd through January 1st. Uh January 2nd is is staff development. There's no school. Uh so January 6th was our next scheduled
reorganization meeting and the 13th is uh office committee meeting and on the sixth we were going to have a building grounds committee meeting. So >> um I've been sorry >> the sixth won't work for me in Baltimore. >> Oh okay.
>> And it's a it's girls basketball too and it's away unfortunately. So even moving it up unless we move it up like 4:00 p.m. would probably look okay. When we >> not till the 7th the 5th we won't get
back till >> and my and I looked all this up so we're good with that. Like we can >> Yeah. And and honestly according I looked it up today because I was curious. So according to the first
Monday in like a in handbook that MSBA we technically could wait till our regular board like scheduled board meeting >> you know what normally would be we don't have to but >> what >> I mean that's pretty late but
>> but technically you could >> if it doesn't work for multiple members you can move it to your regular which is fine >> and we don't usually we usually make it all one we don't have reorgan. >> Um, >> is there anything happening on Thursday
the 8th? >> No, we'll be home that the 6 late Tuesday night. >> Oh, okay. >> On what day? >> On the eth. Seventh is open as far as >> but I won't be in attendance
basically the 7th through the 13th or sorry it's not decided yet but there's a possibility that would not be here at the time we normally have a monthly meeting which would be the 20th for you right now. >> Would
>> something else? >> Yeah. >> Would the 21st work >> um there again? It's a possibility for me. So >> the seventh
>> if Kyle is the only one, >> you're not available the seventh. >> Uh 7th through the 15th. I'm not available. >> Okay. So should we just schedule it for earlier in the in the day on the 6th?
>> Well, Right. Right. Right. >> Is anything happening on the the fifth and sixth. I can't >> Oh, yeah. You're gone both days, right? >> Yeah. >> The Wednesday night is I mean the most
feasible option honestly. >> 7. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Kyle, you're back. You said late, >> but Jen said I mean there's nothing for me and it's a pretty simple. If we really needed you, you can give me, >> um, and if you push it back, it really
all it says is if you push it back, everything falls back on the current >> like chair. Yeah. >> Because we won't be uh conducting any business other than organization, >> right? >> Sorry about the 19
communication without the thing. >> Um the thing is like once we come back from school there's basketball pretty much three or four nights a week because they schedule after the Christmas break.
>> So >> there's something on the 9th, right? >> Yeah. Well, yes. >> Um, if my plans change, would would people rather be like on the
20th like our normal time? We can schedule a seven and then my my plans change before that. We can just change the meeting if you'd like to do that. >> So go with the 20th and our second would be the seventh. >> Schedule it for the seventh right now.
>> Oh, gotcha. Okay. Gotcha. >> And then that'll give us enough time to move it. >> Yeah. >> I think that's Yeah. >> Yeah. Let's do that. >> So if I could know because I'm going to have to post by the first in case it's the sixth or seventh. if I could know
before that for the 1 of January >> if you can. >> So >> otherwise, Yep. We'll move it to the 20th and we're still legal. >> So January are stick with six o'clock then Dave on that Wednesday. Okay.
>> And then are you going to do B&G on this on? >> We'll still do that the sixth. Okay. Just because I've said that other people do that the sixth. Okay. All right. Clear as mud, everybody, >> right? Of course.
>> Okay. Um, was there anything else that we missed? I think so. All right. Our meeting will change to the 7th with the possibility of uh moving that to the 20th.
Okay. All right. Is there a motion to adjourn? So, thank you. And is there a second? >> Second. Thanks. All those in favor say I. >> I opposed. Motion carried. Meeting is ajourned.