Good evening and welcome to the regular board meeting, the St. Peter School Board. It is Wednesday, December 17th, 2025. We are in the governor's room of the community center. Uh we will call the meeting to order. First item up is pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance 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. >> All right, we need to consider and adopt the agenda in front of us. Uh
>> motion and a second. All over it tonight. All those in favor? >> I >> I opposed. Motion carries. Agenda is adopted. Kimberly, any requests to speak. >> First item up, our favorite time of
year, the truth and taxation presentation. Miss Gracia is here. Hi, Megan. >> It's always so much fun. >> All right. So, as Charlie mentioned, we do this annually. It was required by law. Um, some of the components of the
law are that you all have to receive a property tax statement and then we have to have this public hearing. It has to be held within a certain range of days. It has to be held after 6:00 and then we have to talk about the levy, our budget for this year and allow an opportunity
for public comment and question. So, here we go. Um, the 25 pay 26 levy is the 25. We uh certify and approve the levy in the fall of 2025. The we'll collect the taxes in the
calendar year of 2026 and then the bulk of that is our levy revenue for the fiscal year 27 or the 2627 school year. Um, a number of factors go into our school property tax or levy, um, including legislative action, the county
assessor with the valuations of, uh, market properties, the school board if you decide to do like the LTFM bond for example, and then our voters. So, if they approve the operating referendum or the men the middle project,
um, the levy is extremely complicated. There are over 50 revenue calculations that are made. Then they split things between aid and levy. Um, so it is there's a lot that goes into it. Um, and one thing to remember is that on your property tax statement, you'll see two
separate lines. So one is going to be voter approved, one is going to be other. Voter approved would be like the operating referendum, um, the new high school, the men the middle, and then everything else falls into that other local levies line. The property taxes are
calculated based on two different factors. So there's referendum mark market value and there's net tax capacity. So just as a reminder, we talked about this in September, but referendum market value um is going to be all of the parcels of land excluding
egg land and seasonal wreck properties. A smaller number of calculations use referendum market value. um but some like like operating referendum and LO do and then we have net tax capacity so more of the calculations utilize net tax capacity that's going to be all parcels
of land um but they have different classifications so a residential property is going to pay less than a commercial property for anything that uses those calculations um and that's going to be like Q comp or LTFM or our
other post-employment benefits Um, for this year, we are asking that the board approve our levy. It's increasing by 65,000 or 66%. It's going to be 9.9 million, just shy of $10 million. If you recall back in
September, you approved the preliminary levy at 117,000 or 1.18%. After you approved that preliminary levy, they continue to run calculations. So they update our student counts, they update um some of if there's any appeals
to market valuations, they update those. Um if we change any estimates to expenditures for the things that are based on expenditure estimates, they'll update the levy for that. So from the point when we approved our levy till now, um the levy decreased by roughly 40
thou or $50,000. on the multi-year levy factor comparison. The big thing to remember is that our market values for the properties in St. Peter are increasing. Um, and this is significant because if our market values increase and our
student counts stay the same or decrease, our property wealth per pupil goes up. And if you recall, um, any of the items where they use equalization, so that's where, um, more of the aid goes to communities that have a lower
property wealth per pupil. So, if our market values are going up and our student counts are staying relatively stable or decreasing, we're going to see less aid and more levy. Um, and just just a reminder that the revenue is calculated based on all of those
formulas that they utilize. um if market values go up that doesn't necessar that that does not indicate that our revenue is going to go up. It's maybe just going to shift uh who is paying for or who which properties are making up that revenue. I think that's a big
misconception is that people see their own part their own property the market value of their own property go up and they maybe are paying less in taxes and that can be sort of confusing for some taxpayers. So just remember our our pi is not determined by market value. Um,
so that's just one component to keep in mind. Our levy is made up of roughly 44% for the general fund, 1% for community ed, and 55% for debt service. There is a
five-year levy comparison, and you can see last year that debt service chunk jumped up significantly. That was when we started making the bond payments for the middle school for the HVAC IAQ. um than the middle project,
but uh general fund and community ed and even debt service prior to that all stayed relatively stable comparatively. Um and then just a few of the notable levy impacts. So things that changed from last year to this year, um $150,000
increase from last year to this year is attributed to debt service. So those are going to be our bond payments based on our bond payment schedule. We collect 105% for our levy just to make sure that we're able to make those bond payments in full. Um and then they do have
reduction for debt excess. So if we collect an extra 5% to make sure we can make those levy payments, MDE will look every year and make sure um did we have to utilize that? If we didn't have to because our taxpayers hopefully would pay their taxes um then they'll pull some of that back from us. And then we
also were impacted by some prior year adjustments. So um l unemployment oped and then a tiff district. So they always run calculations and then they rerun things for the past three years and we can have um increases or decreases based
on any of those recalculations that they do. So when we get to the action item, we are asking that the board would approve our levy uh for just shy of $10 million at $9.9 million. Any questions on the levy before we go to the budget?
>> Ask one question about the uh tax increment financing. >> Sure. >> Is it the city and the county that does that >> that does >> that grants tax increment financing? We
can't we have no control over that. Right. >> Correct. So that's a result of action by the city and the county or just the city. >> That I couldn't tell you. >> Okay. >> No city for sure. I don't know about
>> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Then we will move on to the budget. So just as a reminder, this is the budget as it was approved in June. This does not include any of the quarterly fund balance changes that
we've had for quarter 1 or quarter two. Um nor does it include any of the final audited 25 numbers for our fund balances. So just keep that in your mind. Um on the FY26 budget, this first page includes everything except uh fund six,
which is our building projects and our insurance fund. So, when we came into the preliminary approved budget, our general fund was going to decrease by about $463,000. Food service was going to decrease by just shy of $200,000. Um, commed, if you
remember, we have two different transfers that are going from the general fund to commed. Um, one is to make that whole every year and then one is to work at a deficit that we've sort of accumulated over the last number of years. um debt service and then we have a scholarship fund.
On the 26 revenue by source um slide, you can see that our state aid makes up roughly 67% of our revenue sources, followed by our levy, which is just shy of 24% and then our miscellaneous and federal aid come
in after that. If you compare that to the state, uh it's very similar to the state averages. I would say our property taxes are slightly higher. If you see our our property taxes are about 24% of our revenue sources versus the statewide average of 16%. So slightly higher, but
we do have both the high school that we're paying for um and the middle school now. So we have a couple of debt service projects. So that increases our levy by by a significant amount. Um, if you look at the revenue by fund and the expenses by fund, you'll see that the
general fund makes up the significant bulk of our budget at 81%. Um, and if you compare the revenue the and the expenses by fund, you'll see that they as they should match up when it comes to size of the pie. Um, so general fund is about 80%. Debt service again because of
those debt payments we have is roughly 13%. Um, and then we have food service, KMED and scholarships. on the 26 general fund expenditures. So this is the general fund as a whole. It's going to include assigned,
unassigned, and restricted reserved. 75% of our expenditures for the general fund are made up of salaries and benefits. 16% is going to be then um utilities, repairs, travel, and then you can see going on from there, supplies and
equipment are each about 4%. And then um we have some other categories. There is a pie chart that will share that same information. Um as you can see 75% is salaries and benefits. So when we talk um as we look
at things like negotiations just to remember that that makes up a significant portion of our general fund expenditures. Uh there are the two slides for their preliminary budget. The detailed and then the summary. We included those. I'm
not going to talk about those, but just because that's what we would typically share. You you would have seen those before, we wanted to include them in the presentation. We also included our quarterly one fund balance tracker as a reminder that based on any activity that we had in quarter 1, we're adding about
400,000 to our fund balance from that quarterly one fund balance tracker. a few pieces of miscellaneous information that Baird and or MEA thought were interesting for um for us to share. One of the things is that
inflationary factor. They always like to um put in a plug for this. Had the general fund dollar amount per pupil stayed with inflation, um we would have had about $1,400 more per pupil, which equates to um $3.3 million for us. So
something we can't necessarily remedy but just an interesting fact to keep in mind. Uh do remember that right now the per pupil formula is tied to inflation between two and 3%. So there is that component in there as of right now. Um
but we'll have to see if if that remains that way. Uh the referendum map is something that MA puts out. Our referendum or operating referendum is $410 per pupil. The median for the state is 513. And I did think it was interesting that 94 districts have no
operate operating referendum at all. So just a fun fact. Um a reminder that we did have mend the middle and the IQ for the middle school that was made up of three different portions. So it was the IQ deferred maintenance and then the voter approved part. Along with that we
just finished uh in this past fiscal year we had our bond refunding that went through. So, those became callable and uh 2015 A bonds are now gone. Um, we do have, like I said, the operating referendum for $410 per pupil and then the high school. We're still going to be
making debt payments on that for quite some time. So, are there any questions related to the required truth and taxation presentation? questions. >> Okay. Thank you, Megan. Next up is approval of the consent
agenda items. These items can be found in the packet starting on page 34. >> Agenda as presented. >> Thank you. >> Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion about the consent agenda items?
>> Discussion. >> I would like to uh just thank Cheryl uh for her close to 40 years of service in the district. Um in the district office, Cheryl has decided to retire. Um and we wish her well. Huge shoes to fill.
Any other discussion? Discussion. Discussion. Discussion. Hearing none. We'll proceed to vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. Consent agenda is approved.
Next up, Jackson. You're a champ for sitting through the riveting financial presentation. But we're finally to the best part of the night. Come on up. Welcome. >> I think this is on, right?
>> Thank you for having us. Um, this is a very exciting for me to um in an honor to showcase Jackson in the great attributes that he has um at St. Peter Middle School. I just wanted to make sure that I don't forget anything. So, I
have I'm just going to read off of what I have written here. So, I am honored to recognize Jackson's ROAL for the St. Peter Middle School student spotlight. Jackson is a student who truly exemplifies our pride expectations and consistently demonstrates preparedness, respect, integrity, determination, and
empathy. My first meeting with Jackson left a lasting impression. This was last August. He was part of the welcoming committee, standing in the hallway, getting ready to greet new middle school students to our school. Without hesitation, Jackson approached
me, extended his hand for a handshake, and introduced himself. You must be our new principal. My name is Jackson, and I'm really excited to meet you. As you all know, when you meet a young person with that kind of confidence and charisma, you know that they have
something except exceptional to offer. From the moment that Jackson walks through through our doors each morning, he brings an energy that brightens the entire building. Jackson teaches teachers describe him as charismatic, someone who brightens every room he enters, and shows exceptional kindness
to everyone around him. On a daily basis, Jackson greets staff members with a warm smile, genuinely listens to how teachers, staff, and peers are doing, and has a remarkable gift for making others feel valued and seen.
When that bell rings at 8:25, Jackson is in class ready to learn. His academic motivation shines in every class as teachers observe him bringing in genuine enthusiasm and sharp focus to assignments he encounters. Jackson enriches classroom discussions with
thoughtful contribution that advance everyone's learning. The respect that Jackson has for others is evident in every interaction. Jackson listens thoughtfully when others speak, considers different perspectives, and treats everyone with consistent kindness
and consideration. Jackson is a student that holds himself to a high standard, and demonstrates unwavering honesty, choosing to do what is right, regardless of who may be watching. Teachers, staff, and classmates know they can count on Jackson to be genuine and trustworthy in
all situations. In the library, you will find him volunteering his time checking out books, helping younger students discover books that they will enjoy, and building relationships with Mrs. Freeman and Miss Snay. He brings the same energetic, helpful attitude to the
library that he demonstrates in class, embracing new challenges and jumping in to assist however he can. Jackson has strengthened the connections within our school community and consistently shares creative ideas about how we can continue to improve. Recently, he has developed a
thoughtful plan to transform the tennis courts into an ice rink. Aiming to provide new opportunities for students and create a little more fun at school and in the community, I've encouraged him to draft his proposal and to send it to Dr. Graph.
In closing, Jackson makes every day better for everyone around him. He reminds us why we do what we do and what's possible when someone commits to excellence and character alongside alongside academic achievement. We are grateful to have Jackson as part of our St. Peter Middle School community and
are excited to watch him continue to grow and lead. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition as the St. Peter Middle School student spotlight. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. There any questions for Jackson?
Jackson, I got a question. What is your favorite subject school and why? >> Um, before it was math, but as it as I've grown, um, I've changed over to science. Just really fun activities and labs that we do in class. It's just
like coming to school and being able to do science groups and >> cool thing. >> It's a good answer, Jackson. if you're going to send them a proposal for science teachers. >> We'll have to check with our lawyers and
insurance about the ice. But >> I think you should send it to Seth first. >> So Jackson, you're so full of activities in school. What do you do in your own time? >> Um, not much. Um, I got hockey. Um,
otherwise I usually just do homework and play games. I don't really do much. >> So, Hockey is a lot. Yeah, >> it is. >> I was going to ask hockey player given your your interest in ice. >> I think that that your principal could
be a good coach. What do you think? >> Skills. >> Don't know until you ask. >> What's your favorite book? Um, I'm really not the biggest fan of books, but as of right now, um, I'm reading That's Not What Happened, and I, It's a mystery
crime book, and I'd say that's probably my favorite. >> Fantastic. >> Nice. >> Who did you bring with you? >> Um, I brought my mother, my grandpa, my sister, and my brother Kaden. And my father wasn't able to make it, but he
was planning on coming. >> Cool. >> Good job, family. >> Yes. a lot to be proud of. >> Keep up the good work, Jackson. You do really well. >> Awesome. >> Thanks, Jackson. >> Thank you. Have a great hockey season.
>> Yeah. >> And he can wow everyone with his truth and taxation information that he learned tomorrow. >> Don't show it all off at once. >> You can stick around for the audit. Yeah. >> All right. Moving on to >> Thank you everyone. >> Thank you.
>> Moving on to action items. The first, consider a resolution of certification of school district levy for taxes payable in 2026. >> Welcome back. Welcome back, Megan. >> So they don't have to listen. >> Um yeah, so I am just back to ask that
you certify our final levy. Um, with that $9.9 million mark, if you had any further questions on the levy, I am happy to answer them. >> You can now move this. >> Well, the business committee talked about this. >> No, for sure. >> It's our recommendation, so I move.
>> Yeah. No, I >> got a motion in a second. Any further discussion? >> Discussion. Discussion. Discussion. >> Yes. I would just like to point out last year as as was discussed earlier there was a significant increase obviously in
the in the tax impact with the men the middle project totally explainable and completely understandable this year just for a point of reference the increase is very moderate at less than roughly twothirds of 1% so 66% and >> and the uh the business office and and
everybody in this room worked really hard to find extra revenue streams and to try and keep the the cost to the taxpayers at a minimum. And I my compliments to everybody that was involved in that. It was a successful
venture. >> My compliments to this so user friendly, >> digestible. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Any further discussion? Discussion. Discussion. discussion hearing. None, we'll proceed to vote.
This is a resolution, so we need to go around the table. Miss Rosbach, >> I >> Mr. Rosel, >> I >> I >> I >> I >> I >> The eyes have it. Resolution is approved. Thank you, Megan.
Uh, next up, consider approval of acceptance of the 2024 25 audit. Tom has come from ABGO, so I will allow him to do most of the talking and I will just answer questions as necessary. >> Awesome. Welcome.
>> Well, thank you. Uh my name is Tom Olinger. I'm the governmental service partner with Abdo. Um so very similar presentation. It's nice to see everybody again, but a very similar presentation. Um just to let you know, we kind of went through a little bit more detail with the finance committee earlier uh earlier
this or last week uh there. So, uh, we'll kind of do it at a high level, but I'll certainly answer any questions that that we might have. So, kind of getting started there. Um, we'll we'll jump into just kind of our overall audit opinion, uh, which we did have an unmodified opinion, um, similar to last year, which
basically means a clean opinion. Um, that means we're following, uh, the GAP and Gazsby standards related to that. And one thing to note here, we had a a kind of a significant gazsby standard with um gazsby 101 which was related to compensated absences like vacation and
sick and how those are acred there too. So there was a a little bit of work on that for this year to to have that included in the report but um that was it. So, also as part of our audit, we uh do uh testing on Minnesota legal compliance, uh various things like
deposits and investments, debt, um miscellaneous items, uh dispersements, and just kind of f see making sure that the school district is following state statutes. Um so, we have some checklists to go through. Um and we do a samplebased test kind of like with our audits too of you know, just
transactions just to make sure you're following those those various state statutes. and through our testing, uh, we didn't note any, uh, any issues with the Minnesota legal compliance. Also, as part of our audit, um, uh, the
school district did have over $750,000 of of federal funds that they expended. So, um, kind of like the kind of like the Minnesota legal compliance, we do have a a compliance guide on some of those grants. Uh so we we will te we uh
do a sample basis test on the grant uh part of it and go through um their checklist uh uh related specifically for that grant. Um and just to note that there was no findings on on on the grant program that we we tested uh related to
that too. So um couple of uh just overall uh just kind of uh findings that we had there were uh preparation of financial statements and and some year-end adjustment uh findings that we just note. Um uh I I want to say that that
has the findings have decreased. We'll show you the prior uh prior year on the next slide, but it we're certainly making great strides to eliminate some of those findings that we had in the past. Um I know Megan has uh taken on I think um we in the past we've kind of adjusted uh some of the or help adjust
some of the grants and also taxes and some debt situations. So we've given some workp papers and Megan's kind of taking on some of those and going through those and starting to make those adjustments too. So I really think that that year-end audit adjustments um you know certainly for next year could probably go away as as we kind of
continue to to build out that knowledge base on there. Um just to kind of note um you know just the overall progress um for fiscal year 2024. We did have um you know a few findings um you know related to segregation of duties of the food
service uh which we changed some of the controls on there to to eliminate that. Um and then student activities uh compliance finding that we had last year was was eliminated this year. Um and then just uh kind of the overall inter
internal controls. So, we kind of tightened up some of the internal controls that were out there, the checks and balances within there. So, that was certainly a good thing. So, um so next year we'll kind of keep working on and and try to get rid of those last two findings uh for that.
Um one quick item here, just an overall audit auditor recommendation. Um I think um you know as part of the accounting pro uh process uh there's a capitalization policy for fixed assets and um we just kind of make a
recommendation right now that's at 2500 um you know and I I think really that can be higher uh just because it's kind of additional accounting that you have to do if it if it's too low a number. So, it's like, do you want to really, you know, pull aside a computer to to
track that all the way through and various things like that. So, we do make a recommendation maybe uh to get that to $10,000. So, that means that anything over $10,000 is just or anything under $10,000 is just expensed in the current
year and is not necessarily depreciated over a period of time. Um, so I think that adds a lot of accounting and extra thing and I just, you know, I think you can kind of take a look at the cost benefit of of of doing that. So, um, that's just something that we can kind
of and a lot of schools have been kind of doing that. Um, getting into some of the financial numbers, uh, certainly the average daily membership drives a lot of the funding and just kind of the overall um, expenditures uh, that you have there. So, you know, kind of taking a look at
your where your ADM was for 2025. Um, that was just slightly up. Um, but it, you know, the good thing is is that stayed pretty has stayed pretty consistent year-over-year. So, as you know, that does drive a lot of the funding. So, as you move forward, it's always great to kind of keep track of
where that is heading uh uh going forward. Taking a look at the general fund budget to actual um both the revenues and expenditures did have a favorable uh budget variance. So uh the revenues exceeded the budget by 820,000 and the
expenditures uh came under budget um by about 530,000. Um you know so that really both of those resulted in a a net increase in fund balance of almost 1.6 million in the general fund this year. um and you and
you currently had budgeted about about 500,000 uh for that increase, you know, and I think as you kind of move forward and what we're seeing on trends here, you know, I think kind of continue to look at where that fund balance and and in increase is because if you want to on
our next slide where we talk about the percentages, um you know, if your expenditures keep going up, which we've seen year-over-year, your fund balance needs to kind of follow that accordingly to kind of keep that percentage percentage there. So, um we can kind of
go to that next page of of just looking at where those percentages are and and also just kind of where you're falling on your on on your um on your overall total unassigned fund balance. So, as you as I noted, we did increase um uh
that that fund balance by about 1.4 million. So, you're seeing that jump up um in that to about five uh 5.3 million. uh your your unassigned uh your target unassigned balance is the 5.3 and you're at 6.5 for your um for your uh
unassigned actual. So, as you can kind of see, you're kind of following along with where those the percentages of expenditures going up is kind of following with what your your fund balance going up. Uh also there taking a look at the general fund uh
balance as a percentage of expenditures and this does a comparison with both uh region 9 uh school districts and then also the uh overall statewide averages and you know I think we had that trend down from 21 to 23 kind of continuing to drop on that fund balance which was
dropping below the statewide averages and the region 9. So, um you know, the good thing is we have been seeing that tick up uh for that and kind of getting in line with where that that statewide average is um uh for that. So, that's that's certainly good. Um, you know,
I've seen a several uh several of the schools having that uh, you know, the fund balance increase, but I think it's really kind of as I talked about earlier, that increase is needed because it's it's following along with what the expenditures are doing uh, out there and, you know, with the increase of
health costs and various health insurance and stuff like that there that is kind of uh, flowing through there. Taking a look at the general fund revenues per ADM. Um you know the the state sources um you know are a little bit above the averages there. Um what I
would note u you you probably might question why the federal uh sources are are kind of coming in lower. I just want to remind you that the both the statewide average and the region 9 are last year's numbers. So really some of the uh some of the esser and gears
dollars were dropping off uh this year and they still had some remaining ones last year. So really the because being consistent with 2005 we've seen those federal dollars drop off um for uh for 2005 um property taxes um you know kind of
talked a little bit covered a lot of this in the the truth and taxation uh period but you know the the per ADM is is below but you know just kind of looking at the average school uh average per property per home and then also the the the 10k you know just the value of
10k Okay. You know, the the value amount is kind of just a little bit above where where the averages are, but um as as Megan had mentioned, you know, we do have some of the building bonds that are included in here. And that's just that's not necessarily just the operating levy
that's out there. That's all the the approved bonding that uh that approved levy for the bonds that are out there. um gen general fund expenditures, you know, kind of taking taking a look at the the mix there. Um you know, we you
know, if you take kind of look at that trend, it has stayed pretty consistent. You've done a good job of trying to keep those expenditures flat uh year-over-year and there was really not not any real big changes in the overall mix on where those dollars were spending. So there has been pretty good
consistency year-over-year um with that with those programs. Taking a look at the general fund expenditures by object codes. So this is kind of as as you can see the salaries and employee benefits make up a big portion of of the expenditures. Um and
uh you know really taking a look at that percentage compared to other schools, you're right in line with where those percentages are. And that's that's a graph that we consistently see year-over-year. um with that. So, uh so the general fund expenditures per
ADM. Um so this this graph kind of shows your uh you know kind of what percentile you're falling with uh other uh school districts across the state. Um so you can kind of see your overall expenditures did tick up a little bit this year. Um you know but we did have a
drop in the previous year. Um I will say that has been a trend up there that um you know we're the dotted line that we're projecting out is based on past information. We've seen a little bit of more of an increase in expenditures for 2005 uh for this last year. So I
envision once those numbers come in in most of these expenditure categories that is going to shift up a little bit at a steeper slope. them elementary and secondary. Um you know really kind of um coming in line there you know uh taking a look at that you
probably just looking at that graph it you shrunk the the difference between kind of the state and your averages on what uh what the dollars are for the elementary and secondary but uh you know really kind of right in line with what uh what you have there. So
the next is the special uh special education expenditures. Um so definitely a tick mark in the higher uh portion here. Um what I would say about this is it really comes down to the mix of students that you have there and the the needs that you have for for special ed.
Um so this per ADM is not on special ed students, it's at the students as a whole um is what we're using there. So that kind of also comes into play on you know what is your mix of needs and going forward. So we did have an increase in
there. Um you know portion of that is reimbursed by federal and state you know based on that but there it there is also costs that are tied to the school related to that food service. Um uh taking a look at that budget to actual uh we were budgeting a decrease in the in that food
service fund. um uh it did have a little bit more of an incre uh decrease there, but you're at 748,000. Um you know, really kind of falling into those guidelines. We had that the six-month guideline for six month of expenditure guideline for a max. They've
extended that, but there has been talks of having that come back to the three months, you know, at some point here. So, you know, you're really kind of falling in between that three and six month uh uh place there. So, you can kind of continue to look at that, but um you know, I think you're right where
other school districts are. Um food service fund expenditures per ADM did increase. Um really, once again, this graph is really pretty comparable to what I see in the trend of what I've seen with other school districts that that are out there.
Community service fund. Um, we did have a slight decrease in fund balance, uh, which really kind of added to the deficit that was out there. Um, this last year was the first year that you did the $100,000 transfer over to help with some of the operating costs there.
Um, I know the board has a nine-year plan to kind of uh not only kind of fund those operations, but also kind of pay back that deficit um, as you go. So, um, certainly kind of keep moving forward with that. keep that in mind on your
budgets as you're going going forward and you know hopefully between the costs and the operations keep pretty consistent that we can start cutting away at that deficit. Um community service fund expenditures per ADM um just you know that stayed
actually the expenditures have stayed pretty flat per ADM as as you kind of um have gone over the years. We did have a little bit of an increase here, but uh overall the the expenditures have stayed pretty consistent. Uh the debt service funds. So these are
the the the bonds that are out there uh for the buildings. Uh you we we did have the the 2024 um uh building bond that was uh added there. Uh so we have you know roughly about 82,000 in uh in bonds for for
those buildings. These are funded by levy uh levy there. So um basically voter approved levies. So um kind of taking a look at that there's you look at that trend there's just a gradual increase of principle and interest as
you move forward there. But uh kind of keeping that in mind that you know the levy would have to kind of follow related to that too. Uh last slide here the the cash investment balance. Um, we did see a a
large increase in cash uh for this last year to 46,000. The thing I want to point out to that is 30 or 31 million of that is is bond proceeds that haven't been spent. So really those are those are restricted for that construction
project. So as those costs come in that's going to basically shrink down. So, if you take that out, um, you know, you you roughly had about a $2 million increase in cash for this last year, which really is kind of right in line with what your general fund fund balance
increase then, too. So, that kind of kind of fall in there. So, so certainly, um, overall, I felt like the audit went really well. Um, we really appreciate Megan, you know, getting us the information in a timely timely manner. Um, that that definitely helps the the process. I didn't have a slide in there.
One one other thing too is um the insurance fund, the health insurance fund is a is a a big piece as you kind of are self-insured too. We did have an increase in that uh overall cash in the insurance fund for for this year. So that is certainly helps. That does
fluctuate up and down based on the claims that you have. But um that you know having something built up in there can help kind of smooth out any health care costs as as you move forward. So, but uh yeah, I'd certainly open it up to
any questions that the board might have. Yeah, >> I guess we talked a bit about this during their the uh your presentation to our our business committee, but as an auditor, do you have any preference in terms of the general fund and how that's
stated as a percentage of expenditures or as an estimated number of days for operating purposes? I >> I've I've seen I've seen it both ways. I think um I think we're kind of seeing maybe a little bit more on the expenditure side, you know, versus Dave,
but um I I absolutely I I personally don't have a preference. It really goes back to your fund balance policy on what you what you want to see and and and how that how that works. So, so yeah. >> Are you comfortable in giving us a range of what you would like to see in terms
of these? Um, you know, I think it really depends and and sometimes it is the timing of at the end of the year of of of what that looks like, you know, and you know, really kind of, you know, a lot can change as that. But, you know,
I think, you know, on the minimum side, you know, you're probably looking at, you know, 14 to 15% and then you can kind of go up from there. But you know once again it's you know what is your building you know what other costs that are out there going forward and future looking it really would kind of come
into play there then too >> early on you mentioned something about um auditing sick leave and things like that. um could you expound upon that a little bit?
>> Yeah. So, so way that the way that Gazsby um changed a little bit. So, in the past with with with compensated absences that they had which were vacation and sick, it was really came down to um what is that liability if you
are going to get paid out at the end of the year at a given point. So, so like if they've acred a certain dollar amount and the the policy says, you know, they at upon termination they would get paid out on this. The the way the Gazsby
switched a little bit is it's versus what is going to be paid out. They kind of took into uh consideration what is going to potentially be used too. So, we have to kind of do an estimate on that of okay, here's the balance that's at
the end. you know, are are they going to use that and not necessarily and it really kind of comes back to sick was the big trigger because not all of that is paid out at a at a given point. So now it it would be what do you expect to
use in that sick going forward and what is the the the averages that are out there. So that was added on to there. you know, for the most part, vacation hasn't changed a whole lot from that. But th those are the two things where they they they took that into consideration versus what is just going
to be paid. >> So, this Minnesota paid leave, which is brand new, >> could really throw a monkey wrench into any projections >> pot, you know, potentially. It's evaluated, you know, and we we, you
know, we would evaluate that. Um really once again it's for your reference there it is a liability that is on the statement of net assets which is the whole governmentwide. It really doesn't hit your funds on there. So this is just
like a full acrruel. It's very similar to the way the OPEB and the and the um Gazsby 68 P and TRA uh type of thing too where it's a it's a long-term liability on the front side of the statement. So
it it and then you know really you're going to it's not going to change any of your budgeting on on the fund side. Well, we have to pay in to this fund for the paid leave.
>> Yeah. Yes. That that that piece is but the actual entry for the compensated absences and and that really does not impact the fund statements. entertain a motion.
>> Also move that we accept the uh audit report. >> Motion in a second. Further discussion. Discussion. Discussion. Discussion. Hearing none, we'll proceed to vote. All those in favor signify by saying I.
>> I oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. We've approved accepted the 2024 2025 audit. >> Thank you, Tom, and thank you, Megan. >> We really appreciate working with the with the school district. So, if there's any questions that do come up, feel free to reach out to us. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Next up, consider policies for approval with a second reading. Dr. graph. >> All right. So, before you you have policy 527. Uh this provides guidelines for uh student use of motor vehicles
throughout the school day. This is coming back to you for a second reading at our last board meeting in November. A great question was brought up and that question was, "How does the current language impact a student's ability to drive their vehicle on another campus
besides the high school?" The language is students are permitted to use motor vehicles in school district locations outside of the school day only on the high school campus. Um, great question. policy committee took a look at this and
we are recommending the policy as written but we omit that last sentence um so that it it does not state that they can only drive on school campuses because we do have students who drive to middle school for um various activities.
So we would recommend uh approval in the second reading uh with that change. I move that we accept >> policy 527. >> We have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
>> Discussion. Discussion. Discussion hearing. None. We'll proceed to vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> Opposed. Same sign. >> Motion carries. Thank you. Next up, consider policies for approval with a single reading. Dr. Graph. We
have five policies in front of you for a approval with a single reading. These policies are part of our regular three-year review cycle. Um, all of these policies contain minimum or no changes. Uh, and I'll just run through those. So, policy 706, no changes are
recommended. 710, our extracurricular transportation uh policy, no changes are recommended. 711, video recording and school buses. There are minor legislative changes that are recommended based on MSBA's model policy.
Uh and those changes are just in how we don't abbreviate uh state statute anymore. 712 video surveillance other than on buses. Uh once again just minor legislative changes uh in terms of how we reference statute. And 721 uniform
grant guidance. Um there is formatting changes that are recommended. Our policy is identical except for the the flow of that policy. Um the bullet points are in different locations. MSB has changed those. There are some legal reference changes and there are some dollar amount
changes uh that have occurred. Some thresholds have changed based on um changes in statute. So we would recommend those uh for approval with a single reading. I'd like to move that we approve policy
706, 710, 711, 712, and 721 in our single reading. >> One second. >> Motion in a second. Discussion. >> Can we pull 712 from that group? I'd like to
talk about I have a question about something concerning that >> that I just thought of. do discuss right now. >> Well, my question is um that
cameras around the buildings within the buildings etc. Is what's the requirement to keep that video? you maintain the recording
>> digital recording. >> Um, I don't know for sure, but our unless we save it, I believe our system retains it for maybe two weeks. And
this is probably opening up Pandora's box, but what does our records retention policy or does it even address it? Or are videos not considered records?
Um, >> I don't I wouldn't Sorry. Go ahead. >> I'm not aware of any surveillance. It would be let's consider it surveillance footage, right? >> I don't think there's any requirement to
retain that data at all unless it was part of some sort of investigation or changed class of the type of data that it is. So for instance, if there was an
incident that was caught on the video that may re, you know, involve criminal activity or that then that particular one would have to be saved for time. But
>> but that wouldn't be our retention at that point necessarily. That would be handed over to law enforcement. >> Their retention, >> right? We would provide information that we had and then it is >> so do we then and just give them a copy
of it or what >> if if we had data. Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. >> In that regard videos kept on site until they're
disposed of. uh in terms of saved items. >> Um so everything is saved essentially in the cloud. >> Yeah. If there you know if there is an incident that needs to be saved, we would put that on our hard drive. Um
when we are working with police um we have shared that in instances that that warrant that um and they put it on their hard drive. Yeah. Um, back in the day, like when I first started, which really wasn't that long ago, I remember creating CDs, but we
don't do that anymore. >> I bet you miss it. >> Yes, >> that's a that's a great question >> and I can dig into that. Our our policy um for uh records retention is up for
review as well. then I would withdraw my request to take it out. And as long as we're looking at it down the road, we can always change it if we find out too. So >> we do have a motion in a second. Any
further discussion about these two, three, four, five policies? >> Yes. >> Can I make a clarification? >> Sure. So just got back to me. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Thank you. That's very helpful. >> Instant answers right there. >> Yeah. Stick around. We'll have more questions about stuff. >> Uh we have a motion in a second. Any further discussion? Discussion. discussion. >> Yep.
>> I forgot to mention this. >> Yep. >> Policy 706, acceptance of gifts. I was going to bring this up and um so that policy uh which you all probably read um requires a resolution to accept gifts.
Um so as we reviewed that policy, policy committee stated that we will we will begin doing that to follow that policy. >> Spoiler alert. >> Spoiler alert. So I apologize. I was going to say that on the first go around then I saw my note. So um so in compliance with that that policy um we
will begin that practice starting today. >> We still have a motion and a second. Discussion discussion discussion. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Same sign. >> Motion carries. Those policies are
approved with single reading. And how about this? Next up, consider a resolution to accept gifts, donations, and grants. I like the new way of doing things. >> Very good. We have four, uh, gifts, donations to accept tonight, uh, or that
are up for acceptance. Uh, the first is a 5,000 grant from Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council. Uh, those funds are used to support our community sparks mobile studio uh, arts studio program. Number two is a donation in the amount of $150 from Paul and Gayla Rodney, and
that's to support families in need uh during the holiday season at North Elementary. Number three is donations totaling $495 from various donors that will be used to enhance the playground at North Elementary. Um included in your packet on the resolution, those are separated out. And then number four, a
donation of $2,000 from the Good Neighbor Diversity Council. Uh and that donation was used to help cover the cost of our latest Joy Day uh unity is joy uh celebration that was held on December 12th at the high school. So we would recommend that you accept those gifts
and donations via a resolution. >> I'll move the resolution. >> A second motion and a second. >> Any discussion? Discussion. Discussion. discussion
>> hearing none proceed to vote a resolution so we'll go around the table Miss Razbart >> I >> Mr. Rosel >> I >> I Mr. C >> I >> Mr. Dixon >> I >> Miss Martins >> I resolution passes we've accepted these gifts donations and grants thank you
very much to the generous donors is wonderful next up consider approval of contract for community and family education graphic designer Dr. draft. >> So, we are proposing a new position within the district. Um, this has been
uh presented to the business committee uh which has recommended it move forward to the full board for approval. Um, but essentially our community and family education assistant is planning on retiring. And anytime that there is a retirement, it it provides an
opportunity to take a look at our systems and see if there's a more efficient or a better way to do it. And what is being proposed is we take the part of the the assistant position, the existing assistant position that creates
the highlights and the community education brochure and we separate it out and we create the community education uh community and family education graphic designer position. Uh that position would be 180 hours per year broken down to um 105 hours for the
highlights and 75 hours for the community and family education brochure. Uh that position would be paid at a rate of $1918 per hour for this school year and a 3% increase for $1975
next school year. And that position would report directly to Tammy Skinner, our community education uh director. Any questions? You will notice in the draft contract
that the draft contract includes 142 hours where the memo includes 180 hours. The difference there is that the school district actually has a partnership with the city wreck department and the city recck department pays for half of that
community brochure. So the job description, the contract is including just the hours we pay for. Uh that position is also uh funded through a stipen that already exists. It already exists with the community ed assistant. We would separate that stipen
from that position to move to the new position. uh this position uh the creation of this position would create some consistency uh and we'd really be able to find an individual who was specialized in that work entertain a motion. I'll move
>> motion and a second discussion. >> Would like to add that estimated uh when you take that stipen the additional hours uh it's estimated that this position will cost the district roughly $750. Any further discussion?
Discussion. Discussion. Discussion. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. Position has been approved. Last action item. Consider approval of 2026 mileage and meal reimbursement
rates. Megan is back. >> Don't make any promises. >> Okay. Um, as our board policy states, we are going to bring to the board a request to approve the mileage rate every year. uh we generally have gone
with the IRS reimbursement rate. However, we could approve a higher rate if we so chose and we would just have to tax our employees on the difference. Uh so our recommendation is to go with the IRS rate for reimbursement of mileage. At this time, as of this morning, it was not released. They estimate it's going
to be between 71 and 73 cents. Um but we are asking for your pre-approval that when it does get released that we can use that rate for mileage. Uh in terms of meal reimbursement, last year and in previous years we have used the US General Services Administration as our
guide for meal reimbursements. That has not changed. So we are requesting that you uh approve no change to those meal reimbursement rates. And then TIP is still set at 15% as per policy 412.
Do we know when we'll when do they announce those? Typically, >> it's usually in December. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, >> when we we say Minneapolis, St. Paul, does that include the suburbs, too? >> Technically, no. It's supposed to be the four what are they called? The four um
>> class one cities. >> Yeah. First first cities of the first class or whatever. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. we're above. >> I will say I mean the number of times that if you're in a suburb, the number of times that people go over the regular
rate is rare if ever. So, >> okay, >> I'll move have a motion. >> I'll second. >> Have a second. Any discussion? Discussion. Discussion. Discussion. All those in favor signify by saying I.
>> I. >> I. oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. >> I'm sorry, m Mr. Chair. Just I should have asked this as a during the discussion, but as a clarification, once IRS comes out with their new numbers, we're automatically grandfathering them that we don't need to reconsider it. Correct.
>> Correct. We're So, we're approving that we'll set it once we get it. >> Exactly. Just want to clarify that. >> Yep. >> Thank you, Mayor. >> Next up,formational items. Seth is here >> for a building and grounds update. >> Evening everybody.
>> Good evening. >> Been a little while since we talked about the project. >> So, I just have a few notes. I'm going to kind of go through it briefly. Please stop. Any questions or clarifications, absolutely ask. So, we're going to start with the amend
the middle project where we're at right now. What we're going to be doing over Christmas break. One of the things that we're looking at is we're going to be working on the punch list stuff that's left over that wasn't able to get finished throughout uh before the start
of school. It's been an ongoing thing trying to get construction crews in here to work when uh non- studentent days or while students are in there. So, the bulk of it we decided that it's going to happen over Christmas break. We be we got two weeks uninterrupted that we're
going to be doing stuff to get caught up and finished on that. Uh, one of the biggest ones we have on that, we're going to be finishing all the Tazzo and the new stairwell. That one's been lacking. We've had steel steel stairs and it's kind of loud. So, hopefully they finish this and it gets a little
quieter and it looks the project looks a lot more finished at that point. Uh, PSM is going to be running pipe for the heating cooling system through the large
gym. So, we're actually working with PSM now and looking to get ahead on phase two projects. If we can get a lot of this piping and stuff done, we're that much farther ahead of the game. A lot of the construction burden comes off in the
short period of time we have next summer. Less things the more we can plan ahead and take care of any issues that come up in the gym. Also, we're going to be changing out lighting. We're going to be updating it to LED, which is currently fluorescent. After January
1st, I believe the state of Minnesota will no longer allow the sale of fluorescent tubing. So, this is we're just kind of getting ahead of it a little bit. If we can, then we don't have to worry about it. And again, this is one of the things that we don't have if we can get it done now. One, it's
going to improve in lighting lighting in the gym. too. Another thing we don't have to worry about come summertime, uh the removal of the ceilings and the existing locker rooms, both gym and the
gym and the pool locker rooms. So, there's piping that needs to get run for the blueprint. And this is again if we can get those ceilings out of there, which we've done in some of the hallways already to get things they had to get piping done, welded in place, ready to
hook up right away. This is that's one of the really big things we've been able to work with Peterson Sheet Metal very diligently on preparing for this coming summer. this past summer was one of the
largest I believe largest projects done in I don't know in Minnesota I think in that short of period of time and ICS's biggest project and there's a lot of learning curves in that one and that's why we're trying to get ahead this year
because the next two phases they're not as large but they are as detailed and involved so we want to stay ahead of that and keep going with that um any questions on that for like what's going on for spring break.
Okay, I'll kind of move into some of the struggles that we've had coming up with this new system in there's been a few things that we haven't that were hard to take into consideration. one with going half the school um water cooled or
glycol, the other half steam. It wasn't nobody took into the consideration how much extra poundage it it takes to push that amount of volume through for heating and cooling. Because of that, we've run into a few
issues with the older system. Typically, in years past with the steam system, you can run 3 to six pounds consistent. don't run into any issues. Now, with running a hybrid system, we have to maintain six to nine in order to heat
efficiently. The old system we're finding out is failing as we're going through. As of right now, we've had 11 repairs that we've had to do on the just in the steam the steam piping itself. That's
cracking. It can't hold up to it. We've had to rewire two of the boil both boilers already. Had to change them out. The controls are failing on it. They can't keep up. So, we're it's a it's a big big challenge right now. There's a lot of unforeseen
and the guys we have working for us are doing the best they can and they're working their butts off to maintain to keep a comfortable atmosphere in the building. It's been a big struggle. It's uh really unexpected, unforeseen,
but it's some one of those things you just deal with and have to keep moving on the best you can. Let's see. Along with that, North Elementary also where we're starting to run into the same issues.
We've run into a lot more repairs than what were expected to keep that system going. Again, there's another system that's not much older than what the middle school is for the boilers and stuff and we're starting to have fails in there. We're having to replace a lot
of parts in there and just some of the costs are starting to pile up a little bit on that. So, that's another one of the challenges there. MVED was another one. Again, older equipment and stuff we've had to go through. We've had failing controls on that one. We got the
controls fixed. When we got the controls fixed, we found out two of the rooftop units were not working properly. So, we've had to get those fixed. So, getting back to a good oldfashioned winner has put a big challenge on the district right now.
So, MVED is back and running 100%. North is running good. We still have a few more parts to replace yet. Um the middle school is we had the boiler down. They're replacing some of the parts there. Hopefully
that we were starting to get a handle on things a little bit. Some of the issues that we came with the middle school too was from when they did the demolishing of the old system for the new system. It went beyond and some of the old
controls were cut. Some of the old pneumatics were cut. So, we've been trying to chase those down throughout the school. A lot of the stuff runs through the walls. So, we're slowly getting there and thank goodness everybody's been patient for the most
part to get there. It's been a pretty big walk. So, the good news is today we finished up the fire marshall inspector three-year with Tom Rosler. I finally had a chance to get uh spend some time with them. I've been talking to him
since I started here. Phenomenal guy. Absolutely. He is great and he's so willing to teach. But we walk through all six buildings and there's been spots where I have never thought I'd ever be. I didn't know we're in the school. I
learned a lot with him. At the end of the at the end of the inspect today, I asked him just said, "Tom, overall, how did we do as a district?" He said, you know, the rating, he said, we did very, very well. He said there was no major issues that
were tagged throughout. And he said the biggest thing, just like any other school, there's a lot of housekeeping issues. So, he's got got a list for that. Uh some of the things that we did find were stuff that wasn't repaired from the last uh three-year that we had.
So, I asked him to give me a separate list of that. So, those could be my priorities. So, I can get those done and get them out of the way and just keep moving on from there. Let's see what else do we got. I guess the last thing I got is uh just
the crew. My crew, those guys have went from two years not doing anything to freaking out, trying to keep up for the most part. It's been a huge challenge for them. There's been a few sleepless nights for everybody, but for
the most part, from what I've seen, these guys are doing phenomenal job so far keeping up. I know with the snow and then the freezing and then the warm and then the refreezing, it's been hard for salting and sanding, keeping up with everything, freezing rain, but overall,
my opinion, those guys are doing a phenomenal job and I'm glad to have them on my crew. So, any questions, guys? That's our opinion, too. Your staff does great work and so do you. So, thank you. >> Awesome. I do have one question.
>> Yeah, as you may recall, I guess I asked that at our business committee meeting last week, uh, relative to inflationary pressures that everybody is sensing to some extent >> the uh the material cost and you answered the question very well. if that's a concern relative to the budget
for the total project. >> Well, it's hard to it's hard to prepare for that. You know, prices go up. You can do your best to prepare for it, but it all depends on what the economy is doing at the time. A lot of the parts you need, you got to have them. And we
just try to do the best we can to get them replaced as as efficient as possible. And as >> have escalator clauses or >> what's that? Do the contractors have escalator clauses for prices? >> For it depends on our contract. >> Okay. >> So the ones that we do have on contract,
they are on contract. They are at a set rate. So now their parts, however, that all depends on how everything else goes. If things go up in the market, so do their costs on parts. As far as their labor and stuff, they're at a set rate for now until the next contract comes
up. Yeah. Oh, we're we're safe and seeing we're on time and on budget >> right now. We're on time and on budget. I know it's been a very big struggle, but we're somehow we're pulling it out. Uh, everybody is working together. A lot
of the outside crews, APX and stuff, Peterson Sheet Metal, Hawk, all those guys, everybody, we have weekly meetings and we talk about stuff like that. What are the needs coming up? What does it look like? you know, like you said,
inflation costs and stuff for how can we do this without going way over budget, but still hit that target that we need to hit. >> Good job. Thank you. >> Yeah, you're welcome. >> Awesome. Thanks, Seth.
>> Building principles just three of us tonight. Some call us the varsity team. >> Varsity team. Yes. >> Anyway, it's good to see everybody tonight. Um, in early childhood in November, we finished up our conferences. We had fantastic
participation. Lots of families and parents in our building. So, we're excited about that. As we moved into December, certainly our theme switched to more winter. Um, fun and activities, learning about snow and weather and all of those things. Um, cold weather has limited our time outside, but we have
gotten out on these nice days and the kids need that. So, that has been fabulous. Um, this week the theme is gingerbread. And so, anything you can think of to do with gingerbread, we are doing it. There may or may not have been a gingerbread man baked in the oven in
the middle school cafeteria. Actually, there have been a few. And then it runs about the building and all of a sudden is back in the room and unfortunately is eaten for snack. But it is an exciting time and our our middle school cafeteria
folks play that role. Fantastic. And um the eyes are just so big and it's pretty cool to think about. And so that's it's lots of fun, lots of energy this week. Kids are are feeling the weather and the excitement of having some time off
school. So, we are keeping it rolling in preschool. Jen, >> sure. Uh, we had gingerbread theme last week. So, >> it's a deal. >> It's a thing. >> Uh, so we are also very excited and very energetic at South. Kids are Dr. Graph, you were there today. It's a little bit
noisy right now. Um, we've been having themed dress up days, so I I shouldn't have changed, but today was holiday cheer. We had a couple of kids dressed for really interesting holidays. We had Yeah. Not everyone dressed in what you would think of this time of year. Very
fun. Um, last time I was up here, I talked about a potential movie night coming up that went. It was great. Um, we had over 125 individuals in the South Gym for a movie night. It was a lot of fun. Um, thank you to Auntie Wendy's Popcorn for donating all the popcorn for
the event. Um, got a really lot of positive feedback um, from families on that. So, it was really fun to see. Um, this Friday to kind of cap off the week, we are celebrating the winter solstice. So, the kids are talking about what the winter solstice means. Um, but there's
also a dance party and a snow globe photo opportunity and hot cocoa and popcorn and lots of celebratory things as well. So, we're really looking forward to that. Um, I also want to just talk about in the new year, our ELA teachers are going to be working really
hard on some curriculum review. Um Darren Dhy and I have been gathering lots of samples and materials and meeting with lots of reps from curriculum groups um from some of the organizations that have been vetted for their curriculum. So it's either highly or partially aligned to the Minnesota
standards and the read act requirements. So in the new year you're probably going to start hearing about that um from us more. Our K5 teams are going to be looking at four curriculum pretty deeply. And then our 612, they're going to be looking at just some curriculum materials, not necessarily something comprehensive. So, that's coming.
Something I'm excited about. And then I just want to mention, I don't talk about Ashawa a lot. Um, but we have a full teaching staff now and we have for more than 30 school days. So, this is a huge accomplishment. Um, and our teachers out there are working really hard, um, in a
challenging teaching environment. And I just want to say thank you especially to them. I mean to really to all of our teachers, but they've been working really hard. Um and then we also have a new secretary that's going to be starting with us in the new year out there. Jesse stole ours. Um but we're
excited to be fully staffed. Um and that's a really good thing. And thanks to Seth and his team for getting us new security and door fobs out there, key fobs. We are entering like modern technology out there. So it's exciting. Great. And at the middle school, um to
piggy back, we have two new faces in the front office. We have um Jonathan Smith who will be the principal secretary and then Sarah Sullivan. She is the attendance clerk. So, she's been there a couple days this week. And then Jonathan will start after the the new year. So, we are really excited and I'm really
excited to not be in that front office. So, I know I'm not good at that. Tasking is really difficult for me. So, our speech team is up and running. Um, we had our first middle school dance. Um, I had to be away, so I left it to Steve Elger and John Hughes and they did a
great job with it. So, yeah. Um, our winter assembly is on Friday, so if you're looking for something fun, if you want to figure out how to carry a pizza box and not have somebody um, knock that off, come on over. You'll see a cool little outfit as well. And then a huge
shout out to Jamie Abless, Brie Bergstrom, and Dave H for our choir and band concert showcase. that did a phenomenal job. Um, their dedication and hard work uh definitely did not go unnoticed. So, yeah, that's all we got. >> Thanks.
>> Thank you, >> Dr. Graph. >> Uh, just two quick items and this is just building off what Janna said. So, you know, we we wrapped up the audit tonight. Uh, so that closes out last school year and believe it or not, as soon as January hits, uh, we really
start to talk about next year. So, a lot of the work that the principles and I will start doing is really planning for summer and next school year. You're going to start to hear a lot about curriculum, um, registrations, program changes, if there are any things like that. Um, so that's right around the
corner. Uh, and then lastly, just uh a reminder to all that there's no school December 22nd through January 2nd and, uh, a message will go districtwide so families will know this, but just want to make sure that you're all aware. Um, Officer Hughes and local emergency
response teams will be having a training at the middle school on December 29th. Once again, a message will go out to all families. Um, but families might see um emergency vehicles, lots of them at the middle school. It's just a training, no
emergency. >> That's not going to impact Seth at all, is it? With their >> They're very aware of that. There's been lots of coordination around that. a lot of coordination. >> Some of the guys might even jump in on
ities. >> Okay, thank you. Around the table, Miss Rosbach, just so impressed with all the things happening at our schools from Little Mermaid to Unity is Joy Day and all the concerts. It's a wonderful time. >> Yeah.
Other than happy holidays, nothing else? >> Yeah, just good wishes to all teachers and students finishing up the semester or well, excuse me, finishing up before break. >> Well, I would like to echo those thoughts also and then I don't remember if I updated you,
but no, we met before the delegate assembly. So, we were fortunate at the delegate assembly to get the resolution that we put forward passed even though it was opposed by the board of MSBA. Um
it we did amend it, changed uh the language from prek programs to all early learning programs and had some great support from delegates around the
state who had a passion for early learning programs. So, uh, hopefully we can take that momentum, find someone to sponsor the bill and, uh, get it talked about in the legislature.
Then, I too would like to thank Cheryl Weisggerber for her years of service. I've worked fairly closely with her the last couple of years going over the bills. She will be missed. Megan's going to have her hands full
training. Whoever replaces her, I'm sure. So, lots of luck. Find someone as good that lasts for another 40. And then I'd like to thank the donors for the gifts that we approved and Reena
for your nice little candy cane. >> Uh, no, nothing for me. Thanks. >> Um, I want to echo congratulations on the joy day um last Friday at the high school. That was absolutely >> an amazing effort and I hope it was as
well received by the kids as it could be. Um, uh, again to Cheryl, congratulations Cheryl. Thanks for everything that you've done. And I also want to call your attention to and congratulate the NAPAC families who did TP painting this
last weekend, Friday and all day Saturday. Um I can't wait for you guys to see the results of this. It's on Facebook. You'll see it in the highlights. This is an absolutely stunning job that they did for a cultural sharing and I'm I can't wait to
see it put up and and being used. So I want to congratulate all of them on that. And again, the delegate assembly was was really good. And as a school board, if these some of these resolutions are adopted and we may be called on to provide testimony or
stories or something like that. So, be prepared because they're good things. That's it. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> Anything any of the committees did not have a chance to talk about tonight that they want shared? >> The numbers from the audit and also the the budget. Yeah, we were we could do
that informally after. >> Exactly. There we go. You you >> Let's just meet at John's office. >> I was going to say the agenda pretty much was the business committee. So, and we're continuing to march with the
negotiations. We're making progress. >> All right. Uh we have several upcoming meetings but just of note the organizational meeting of the board that happens the first meeting in January every year uh it will be on a Monday.
Uh our new rotation is Wednesdays but because of state statute right >> uh is recommended recommended on the first Monday the first Monday and it worked for us so we did it Monday January 5th. So >> our first meeting of the year will be Monday January 5th 5 pm in the
governor's room. I would like to I believe you must taken the uh there's also a a teachers negotiation on the 12th >> January 12th. >> Yeah, >> correct. >> Is that on? >> Yeah, >> I have it on mine.
>> Okay. I don't have Oh, okay. >> Monday, January 12th at 4:30. >> Yep. >> I go right from the 8th to the 13th. Yeah, I've seen >> Yeah, that's the updated version. >> Oh, there we go.
>> The early edition. >> Yeah, >> exactly. Yeah, I see it. >> All right, it's about that time. >> I will move to second. >> All those in favor? >> I have a lovely evening and a nice
winter break.