001quiet. >> But I just did it again and it allowed >> Yeah, >> didn't really Well, Sophie didn't really look pale last year. I do believe we are live now. >> There's our screen sharing. >> Is that the channel? So, we're live. >> It came up that you were and then it went away. So, >> it says you are screen sharing. >> Well, Tom, you just tell me what you >> It says you live. Thank you very much. >> Thanks. >> All right. Well, we'll cross our fingers and hope this all works for the internet out there. I just want to say thank you to the community members that came out for this meeting and subsequent meetings. Um, at this time, I'm going to call the meeting for the uh budget hearing for Monday, October
00227th, 2025. Uh before we approve the agenda, uh we're looking to switch around two and three because the treasur's report uh falls in with the presentation of the budget. Uh anyways, so looking for a motion to >> I'll make a motion to approve the agenda with the flip-flop of two and three. >> I'll second that. >> Motion by Katie, seconded by Jamie. All those in favor say I. >> I opposed. Okay. On with the presentation of the budget. >> Welcome. >> Ah, there we are. Hey, special thanks. We asked them. They did not want to. You guys are >> I don't know if they wanted to see the presentation. >> Okay. Thank you. Appreciate. Um, just want to thank Lisa and Laura for their hard work in doing this and preparing. Um, so our mission
003statement at the Siren School District is to educate, inspire, and empower our students to become contributing citizens in their communities. This all took place in 2017. We had a community forum. Um, we had a facilitator who helped us develop our mission and vision. We had board members, community members. Um, I think we had a teacher or two on that. Uh but that's how this was established. It was done so in 2017. Um vision Siren School District will produce successful students through collaborative partnerships with families, community members, and staff while being physically innovative. Students will embrace diversity, feel empowered, and be inspired to become citizens with integrity. Um just a couple of highlights. Um you know, they do the best of Bernett. Um, some of our staff were um, voted in and we'd like to keep
004positive as well. Kathy Koval was voted best teacher. Uh, best who high school athlete Dannon Reynolds and best coach with Ryan Karsten. We also have some finalists that came along in there. Um, I don't need to go through all those, but um, we do have finalists. So, there were some votes or some recognition for those individuals as well. So once again just trying to be positive um keeping that in the forefront. Um so the purpose of the budget hearing is to present the 2025 proposed tax levy, the revenue and expenditures within our budget uh treasures report from 202425 um our aid categories and our mill rate. So what I try to do then is basically talk about some of the aid categories and you guys won't have this necessarily in your packets. It's just you
005can listen and you'll see. So there's a per pupil aid. So uh for the number of students we have there's a number. It's a revenue limit number and that was established back in 1993 when um the state developed the funding formula and based it on your your district's expenditures at that time and your district's land wealth and there were other factors contributed to that. But anyway, they came up with a number per student. So, and this number is different through different districts throughout the state and like I said, it was based on individual factors for each district at that time. This was 1993. Um, so the number that we're currently at per pupil for 2526 and this is calculated by the Department of Public Instruction um is 11,62218 per pupil. So 11,62218 per pupil for
0062526. And there's a a revenue limit worksheet that auto calculates our aid and our tax levy and per pupil. and Laura will share that in her budget presentation. You might even I don't know if you have a copy in there or not, but basically what we do is we enter our uh logistics from the previous year um or our tax levy in that and then the the worksheet autoc calculates and then it gives us this year's numbers u based on what the department of public instruction requires. Um and then there also are so there's per pupil aid which is aid per kid per student but then there are also are categorical or specific aid categories. So in within that um state aid in these categories is intended to finance or reimburse some specific category of
007instructional or supporting program or to aid a particular target group of pupils. So ones that are impactual for us are SAGE AGR which is and I'll define these as we go through. So that's one of them. Sparity aid is another one and impact aid is another one. And then special education is an aid category of its own but basically it's a fund transfer from our general fund to that fund and it it's kind of all wrapped into one budget area. So it's not it's listed as separate categorical but it it really is a fun 10 transfer. So AGR defined is um schools are able to select and implement uh to provide professional development related to small groupoup instruction and reduce the class size to one of the following areas. no more than 18 students or
008no more than 30 students in a combined classroom having at least two regular classroom teachers. So we do subscribe to that aid category. We do get aided on that number and I'm just going to read to you last year's number that we received in 2425 was 172,289 in that category. This year we're projecting or predicting because we have a budget forecast model and based on a number of students and what DPI is recommending for aid we're projecting a number or budgeting a number of 164,638. So there's a slight reduction that we're projecting in um achievement gap reduction and usually that number is solidified in December. Usually that number comes through mid year giving giving us our our actual number >> and it's based on kids in grades >> kindergarten through through third. >> Yes. Third
009grade. >> And we've been we've subscribed in this program. Yes. Through third grade. We subscribed in this program probably >> I don't know ever since we've been here. I don't know if it was gone on before 2015, but we've been doing it ever since. >> That's the Sage program. Yeah. Um the other area, another aid category is called sparsity aid. And to be eligible for sparsity aid, the aid is provided to districts meeting the following criteria. School district membership is no more than 725 members, 725 students. The district membership is less than 10 members per square mile of the district's geographical area. So that just applies to rural type districts uh up here in our area and with the size of our district. So um last year we received $159,649 in that area. This year
010for 2526 we're projecting $152,252. So once again a slight reduction there as well. Um, some of these a lot of these numbers we have to project and what we're recommended to do is base it on previous year's numbers, but what we're finding is based on enrollment and different categories. The numbers don't actually equate to last year's numbers. Normally, they want us to be conservative to budget on last year's numbers with the expectation that you're going to get more, but that hasn't happened in the last several years. um impact aid. So, this is a a big one for our district and I'm just going to read the definition. Designed to assist local school districts that have lost property revenue, property taxes due to the presence of a taxexempt federal property or experienced increased expenditures due to
011the enrollment of federally connected children, including children living on Indian lands. The impact aid law, title 7, provides assistance to local lands, um, local school districts with connections of children residing in Indian properties, and to a lesser extent, concentrations of children who have parents in the uniform ser uh, uniform services or employed on eligible federal properties who do not live on federal property. So yeah, it's hard for me to read, but anyway, but anyway, it's federal land that we don't get taxed for. There's an exemption made for districts like ours where part of our land is not taxed. So they offer aid towards the district. Now, that's federal aid. So I guess just to quickly explain that this this money shows up very randomly. It's not scheduled. It comes from the federal government and it
012comes to us in an email amount. So, we try to budget on previous year's numbers that we've received, but with the federal government, um, it's been difficult over the last several years. And the number of percentage that we're supposed to receive has gone down each year. >> We get less than 20% of what we should be getting. That that and that number from last year is not the 100% number. That's just was the estimate of what we were going to get. 20%. Yeah, it's hard to budget for this number because like I said, it just shows up in an email saying, "Oh, by the way, you guys received $60,000. Oh, oh, by the way, you received $36,000." And I kid you not, those are just what happens. We, "Hey, Lord, we got we got aid."
013So, that's really, and I'm mentioning that because that's typically how it happens. Um, and with the federal uh shutdown and things that are going on at the federal level, we just aren't sure. Um so we're but uh last year um the number that we used was $212,468. We're projecting this year $150,000 and that's just a round number and I think that's a I I know I I think that's just a guess and our anticipation is we're hoping we get that much. >> Is the 24 25 number did we actually get that or was that what we were thinking we were getting? That's what we actually received. >> That is your the actual received amount. >> I think we were budgeting I budgeted more than that. >> Okay. But that was the actual dollar >> the
014previous year we got >> and is that also related to the number of students or is it just related to the land? >> It's I think it's in zun instead of property taxes. >> Yeah. But I think it's just related to the land because we've had students fluctuate. So even when we've had less students, we've gotten more money. But the amount of land has not decreased. >> But we're still thinking there will be a >> But it is decreasing, isn't it? There was some >> the amount of federal land. >> Well, wasn't there some purchases that went into private? I don't know. I read this last fall that there might be some land that was so I don't know, maybe I'm I'm off on that, but >> but the federal government also only funded this
015the first time they ever put this program together in like the 1950s. It was only 100% funded that one time and it's never been fully funded. >> And my understanding is that most administrations when they're voted in, they try to get rid of this. That's what I've read somewhere that they don't want to continue to fund this program. But it's a big impact for us, especially because of our native land that we have and it's important to us. So now I'm gonna I'm going to turn it over to Laura who's going to present the budget and she's going to start with the um treasures report. Um >> do you have a page number or anything. >> And I have it up here as well, so you can see it. >> That's It's really hard to
016see. I can't see it at all. >> I know. And I really can't see it on either. >> It's really hard to read. >> Report is in the packet. >> Yeah, it's in the packet. >> I don't know what page. All four school colors. >> Page 11. >> I think it's page 11. That's up here right now. Yeah, page 11. Huh? >> Sorry. >> It's the first page after the annual meeting minutes. >> I don't know if you can see that. It looks like that. >> After the annual meeting minutes, >> it's further. >> It's It says um >> treasures. It's prior to what he's looking at >> and after what she's looking at. >> Thanks. >> Yep. Yep. >> Yeah. >> So, are you guys okay? Do you are you at the treasures report
017in the package? probably the number of times >> numbers is just going to walk through that treasures report that you have you're looking at on back from previous years >> for these are unauged as of June 30th 2025 audit is complete yet it's not it hasn't been um submitted fully um the general fund came in at 223 in the negative 123,000. Um, fun 27 and 29 are the ending fund balance is zero. >> Can you explain what those what fun 27 and 29 are? Fun 27 is special education and fun 29 is title six and those fun 27 is always a zero ending fund balance because we move money from the general fund to balance that. Um nonreferendum debt service is $25,000. 39 is the um referendum debt. Sorry, 93,000. Food service is zero. Um
018fund 10 had to make a transfer to food service and fun 80 is the community education and that is 55 council. have questions. So this year for the third Friday in September, the FTEES came in at 390, which is a little bit more than last year. So that will help in the three year rolling average. Um are you changing? So people can send us just >> and FT stands for full-time enrolled. Correct. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And when do they use the threeear average? >> So we use that we're getting to the >> Oh, sorry. >> This one. >> Okay. You guys can't see this, but this is a revenue limit worksheet that comes from the um state of Wisconsin. I was going to try and show this to you guys to see what
019it like. So, every school district's gets a revenue limit worksheet and there's a left side and a right side. On the left side is previous year numbers that they use to calculate and then they autoc calculate based on the formula that they have that generates from enrollment taxes and things like that to the right side and it's automatically done once we submit our enrollment numbers and required data. Then they automatically calculate what our aid's going to be and what our mill rate and our tax levy is going to be. So, it's an autoc calculating um format that the Department of Public Instruction uses for each school district based on segregated data that we have to enter and it's usually based on the previous year's numbers. >> You want to explain this piece? What is that?
020>> So, the proposed tax levy and this was before Oh, that >> I didn't know that John there is the proposed property tax levy and this year the proposed um general fund came in at 4,49. The debt service is at 960 and the community fund is at 40,000 which equals a total levy of 5,4983 and the percentage increase of the total levy from the prior year is 3.8 question. >> Yeah. >> Debt service went from 400 to 900. What's the difference? >> So, on this proposed property tax levy, um there is a state trust fund um loan amount loan payments in there. And then we also needed to levy for a payment that was not in last year's tax levy. >> And what were those payments? >> It was 53,733. It was for our um
021>> was it the referendum or the >> Oh, um yeah, we did a referendum for um both boiler. >> Okay. >> And um front entry. >> What was the other part? >> The state trust fund loan is the 2 million um dollars that we borrowed for the short-term loan. the new law. Yeah, >> the new law but >> to help us. So, because we had no money left in our general fund, we are replenishing the general fund with a loan to help us uh with our cash flow problems that we have been having. So, not that we're overspending, but we've been having issues getting funds back to us through those state and federal programs. And so, this is to help replenish our general funds so that we can remain afloat. So it's a slush fun.
022>> It's not. Well, I mean >> an operational loan operation. >> Yeah. And all schools have a general fund and that is where they keep monies for >> increasing uh payroll for major repairs that have to come from the building, anything of that nature. And our fund had been depleted. >> Oh, you're not speaking general fund. You're talking about the fund balance. >> Fund balance. Yeah. Sorry. Fund balance. Yes. Oh. We took out a loan for athletic field. Is that >> No, >> we did not take out a loan for an athletic field. That referendum did not pass. >> The playground >> playground. >> There was a loan for a playground, but not for an athletic field. >> And that didn't wasn't >> And that was not a referendum. That was just a loan that
023we >> remember reading something like 900,000. Is that right? >> Nope. It was a 500 600,000 for the playground. Governor's estimate was 900 and something. >> It was 600,000. That included the infrastructure needed to improve the drainage um being that we're built on a swamp. And then for the actual equipment that went in as well. >> that was not a referendum. That was just a loan that we took out as a school. >> It was 500,000 >> 600 So this year for the proposed 2526 budget total revenues and financing sources are 8,836853 for fund 10 and total expenditure and financial uses is 7,79598. and mill rate actually came in less this year >> and are these what changed these numbers because these aren't the same then >> so you're getting confused with the original budget
024>> the one that was publicized that was put out published >> explain >> so the one that went into the newspaper is the proposed budget >> the one that you guys approved earlier. And so now after when we go back into our regular meeting, then you will approve the new tax levy >> which is this >> and the new budget >> and mill rate. >> So what's the new mill rate? >> 584 >> 84 or 83 >> 84. Okay. It says 83 in the book. >> That's the proposed. And what was it last year? >> 6.23. >> And these loans, what do they do? >> So the loan, we make loan payments every September 1st and every March 1st. What's an interest rate on this one? >> I do not. I'd have to actually look
025that up. The state trust fund was in the five. >> Yeah, roughly. It was six roughly six. >> The referendum through Shell Lake that like 475 >> and then the previous ones I wouldn't be able to tell you because there still are loans from like the 2019 referendum things that I wasn't on the board. >> They were three 3%. us. Yeah. Uh we refinanced the previous straight state trust fund loans that we had for parent things which are falling off at the end of this year. They were about 3%. >> When are the loans up for how long? >> Uh so there's some that are dropping off this year. The referendum that we previously the we got for the roof is a >> that one was how long? >> 20 year. 20 year and then
026the state was 10 years and those were the two new loans that we got this previous year. Otherwise, everything had been prior Can you explain um so people understand why the mill rate's where it's at about your um how you have to bunch those numbers in the state does it? Can you explain that please so people understand why the mill rate's where it's at? >> You want me to help you? >> Yes. I mean, if that's what you're getting at, but >> what I'm getting at is it's the state decides what we can ask for. It's not that these guys sat and punched numbers in that sheet he showed early on where you put all revenue in and all those things and then the state decides they tell us you can do whatever. So, we
027don't they didn't just make up this number. This is the number that the state tells us that we can do. Is that correct? >> Yeah. that equates to that 11,000 number pursuit >> based on our >> valuation >> and our property taxes. As one goes up, the other >> kind of acts as an equalizer. So, as one goes down, the other goes up. It's that's kind of how it was explained to me when we started this process. Um, yeah, as the tax levy goes up, B8 typically has gone down. If B8 goes up, the tax levy then goes down. unless you vote for a referendum, which we've done several times over the past several years. >> And what happens is if the if the state legislature doesn't increase our aid, it comes off the tax
028levy in many in many cases >> because one way or another, we have to get to that 11,000 number per student. So, it's either through the aid that we get through the state and federal or through the taxes. But in total, those need to equate to that 11,000 number >> at least. >> Yes. At least >> because ours is much higher than 11,000, isn't it? >> That we spend per student, >> I would say. Yes. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> 12 something. >> No, it's twice that. >> It's not 20,000. um back in 93 there was a a cost of inflation 18 >> attribute to the formula but they ended that in 2003 I think. So if they would have kept that percentage and it was based on the consumer price index. So whatever that
029was was the amount of increase that school districts got based on the inflation. Um but they stopped doing that and ever since then aid has been lower or behind some of the expenditures or increases that typically occur for utilities and just expenses like that. >> So what do you spend for student in the siren school district? >> Um I don't know exactly what we spend. I know that there have been I don't know if this is the right or wrong thing, but I know that there are community members that are taking the amount budgeted and dividing it by the number of kids. >> Yeah. >> And it's very high by their figures. And I guess I would also like to know what what we are paying per student and is that the way to determine
030it? >> I don't know. I don't believe so, but I don't want to be quoted on that. So, I think there are other attributes in that formula, but let me I can certainly look into it. Several years ago, we did a we did a I I think our forecast model can can look into that as well, but I think we were around the neighborhood of 13 14,000 peris. >> Yeah. And I've heard people estimating 18 and above based on the numbers they're using. >> Yeah, I can confirm that. >> Have no clue. Yeah. I >> think >> right >> and that 390 isn't the actual number of students. >> What is >> the actual number of students that have their butts in seats in Siren School? My understanding is it's 324, >> but the aid
031that we get is calculated on that uh fulltime enrolling average for >> and threeear average >> enrollment. But right now you have 300 >> in the build in the building >> that school in siren >> open. But then for for aid they base it on open enrollment in and open enrollment out. Some of the money boats around between the two between the districts and some of the districts or each district also retains some of that aid for the upkeep for the building and overhead costs. So, it's it's it's icky. I spent a lot of time on last week trying to figure it out. >> The numbers don't Yeah, they don't make I've only been on the board since April, but the numbers don't make any sense to me. So I'm I have to count on
032other people. >> I know we're not comparing this to Webster, >> but Webster's mil is in the threes. Not >> it probably we happen to live in Webster, but we sp we we are part of the siren school district. >> There's like 16 of us >> that do that. So our property taxes are like double as to what it is six houses down. They probably have a higher district valuation. So because all the properties are worth more, they can take a smaller percentage and get the same number >> and so we have to take a little bit larger percentage because our value of property is less var >> um because of the district size >> they have all the lakes. >> Yes. So if you look at our municipalities on that page underneath the mill
033rate, it shows that our valuation for this properties within the school district are 865 229 where other school districts valuation is extremely higher. And then where Schler was talking about how aid goes down and goes up based on, you know, the valuation of your property because they're like you can get more of your money from your >> from your taxpayers, you know, type situation and because they have such a higher like they were saying since there's a higher valuation, they only need a little piece of your pie versus ours because >> that's you know because we don't have as much to drop. >> Yeah. I'm assuming based on that you're either in like uh Warner Lake, Viola Lake, Sand Lake, those areas because that is exactly where across the road the property values are so
034much lower depending on which school district it is. >> Yeah, >> we're in township. I was going to say they're along 170 or something like close by 70 or something. Yeah. >> Yeah. I know. Wow. Are we going right into the past? >> Sorry, Becky. >> I was going to say because that we still need to do the presentation of the budget part. >> That's that was it. >> What Laura is doing, right? Or has been doing since she's been talking. Well, I have some questions on the budget then. >> Okay. >> Um, one is not that I'm opposed to community ed, but they already have a $50,000 um amount that they're carrying over and you guys have, I think it was, let's see which page look at here. Anyway, you're adding $40,000 or something
035like that to them. Is that through a contract with >> that just community ad that also covers our open gym. It covers our facilities director. It covers any plays or musical. >> I thought it was just community. So I was like, they already have 50 some thousand. How come they need 40 if they're only going to spend 50 a year or whatever the case may be? Um my other question too is um regarding like um projections and different things like that. Is there any possibility and you guys are relying on bear for the information? Would it be prudent to possibly look at other financial experts or financial groups to see what they are looking at and thinking? Um we did we did that and each time we were pushed back to bar in fact I
036think there are a number of districts in the state of Wisconsin who use bar was very highly come very highly rep >> represented. Yeah. >> Um we have tried another group >> you know what I mean because like you guys did open or you did bids for snow plowing. So >> air is very highly repable. um I think they trail how many districts they have in the state. I want to say it was 300 of 420 districts but anyway um yeah we have and I think user friendly portion of a company we used before was very difficult and they wouldn't meet with us on a regular basis. So yes, we have tried that and the best we've come to is bear and there were only I think that was the only one all other one
037at that point in time >> and they're all encompassing. I mean they've helped us on referendums and loans as well as the financial piece. So >> I just know like there's different CISAs that are also like specialized in different things you know like what is it 10 CISA 10 that helps with like environmental things or whatever. So I thought maybe there'd be a CISA that does some financial thing that you >> CISA will send somebody into your district. They don't have a model. They don't have so when we are talking with people from they're they're actually ex business managers in her role that have been in that in the system for a long time. So they speak the language and they get the lingo. Yeah. You understand the forecasting process? >> I I just like
038I said I just thought if you're bidding out for other things would >> Yeah. No, we have we have looked at and I think price-wise this was the cheapest of the two that we had looked at before too >> cheaper. >> And you have a referendum that's um it's done in March, correct? >> Like the last payment of the >> reoccurring stuff, >> it's done in March for another possible referendum meeting to be done. Correct. >> The operating operating >> operating reoccur 400,000 a year. Mhm. >> That the last payment on that is in March, correct? >> Or this is the last expire >> last year. You can use that 400,000 in your budget. >> Yes. >> Right. >> Sorry. >> Does that mean you're ask one? >> Possibly. But we have to look at
039a lot of things before we get to that because uh the board needs to look at basically the makeup of the school and what we can do to structure possibly and cut money elsewhere cuz I mean I'd love to say that the taxpayers are going to be behind us for everything but you know we have to show that we're doing our side of things and trying to be as fiscally responsible as we possibly can before we would go and ask again. >> Just out of curiosity, are you a single district school or >> single district? >> Question. >> If we're consolidated or single district, >> we're a single district. >> Single district. >> This consolidated schools of Siren. >> It was consolidated in the 50s. >> Yeah. >> Yes. to this district from all the
040small one room school houses >> small districts. >> Yes. That's why when we cons >> we were part of that original consolidation that happened in the 50s where they went from like 1,500 school districts in the state down to 483 or whatever number they're read >> I think they really it's like Milwaukee and then everyone else in how they write some of those laws. So, it's the school districts of Milwaukee and then everyone else when you're reading through statutes, >> private schools are getting more aid off the top of the revenue in the state as well. Um, their aid keeps going up in some of the private settings like the charter schools and things like that. >> That's continuing to increase more than what our percentage is. I don't have the number right off hand,
041but I just read that somewhere. >> Is that a voucher schools too? >> Ver schools. Yeah. Mhm. >> Yeah. >> Is there a difference between charter and vouchers? Yes, there is. You know, I I don't know the whole >> charters are run by public schools. Vouchers are paid into private non or private forprofit. >> Okay. >> Um I again looking at the budget publication that was in the paper um interd district payments sources 300 and 400 that is down likeundred 200,000. What is that? What is that? Where are you looking right now? >> Um on the public the the budget publication that was in the paper. Um it says enter payment under revenue and finances. It says interdis um district payment source 30400. In 2023 it was 668. Last year it was 650 and this
042year it's um budgeted for 450 or 449 both. I was just curious what does what is source the inner district payments. >> So those are for like payments other school districts within Wisconsin. >> So like that would be like our Medicaid services and whatot >> other school district. I'm thinking I was wondering if it wasn't what you retained from open enrollment. >> Oh yeah, >> that's what I thought it was. >> Open enrollment was in there. >> There's 300 and 400. >> Yes. So >> because someplace else I thought it had um I was thinking someplace else had SPS or schoolbased services. >> So schoolbased services is in 110 and 127. It hits both accounts. >> Okay. And um do you guys do you guys um bill out as much as you can or is
043it a difficult process? So then >> actually does our billing for us. >> CISA does oh since they're the ones doing the services like it's for therapy and whatever. >> We contract SPS services through them so they do. >> Has that always been the case? >> I didn't know. used to be the person that you had to give the IEPs to and I had to send them to CESA. >> Sharon Richardson used to do to it for a while. >> So did Barb and I did it. >> See, and that's what I was thinking too because I remember Sharon asking for our information when our kids were in school. >> Um and does does like does Betty get Betsy Betsy Betsy, right? >> Does she get some of that or does >> Yep. Pardon? She
044gets paid for some of that too because of giving dueling out medicine and different things. >> Okay. >> I was just curious. I just wanted to make sure that you know if it's that it's getting it's to the max that we can. Yeah. >> Cuz I know that billing medical assistance and insurance and stuff isn't important on a good day. So I know it can be a pain. So that's why I just want to know that >> okay it is at least being thought of. Is there my other question is is there any possibility of the school putting money in like different accounts that have are just kind of waiting around like you not don't necessarily use it? Not that you have this big pot of extra money but can you put any money in
045like short CDs or anything like that. Can you as a school district can you guys put money >> invest >> into CDs and investment? And I know there's only a percentage of um interest we can make. >> Yeah, there probably would be a limit on it because they don't want schools to do something risky like put in Bitcoin or something like that. >> Just because I was just thinking, you know, like if there's $100,000 on, I don't know, like student activities. >> I think that's often where the secondary um groups like Webster's Foundation Yeah. they can put those together, those endowments kind of a thing where they're able to do those investments and then how they choose to um give those monies back to the school I bet are often where investments are made. >>
046Well, and I know like the village has village has different, you know, money market accounts and different accounts like that, >> you know, or and like the dairy, >> you know. So, I was just curious if the school could do any of that. And not that you guys are rolling around in one point, but you know, >> where does the newspaper Becky get the information? I know I used to see like cost how much spend per student per district. There used to it used to be published. Is it not anymore? I don't that would be an editor's question and unless it comes from like DPI report. >> That's what I was wondering. So I when I was looking today, there are reports out there, but they're all old like last year's and then previous year
047just >> they have last year's >> no >> they don't have >> they have like 23 24 >> but not 24 25 because I've been looking at PPI too >> and like in the revenue worksheet I saw that worksheet and that I did question the um early not early childhood but the early childhood 4K >> because when hit on that little thing and came up with an option of the 500 and some hours versus the 400 and some hours. So, I was curious if the 4K program went reduced hours. They just deleted that whole ability to have that higher number and they've gone straight with a 6 and 0.5 is no longer available. They just literally told us about it um like a week ago, if even that. Well, and I that it's just interesting
048because like I said, I just and I would had been on the that revenue worksheet since then and so that was still an option. So I was confused and I put it in our CIS. It's still but it's gone. But um I told Paulie before this started I put in an email to my contact at DPI to ask is there anything in writing anywhere that we can read why the change was and that sort of thing >> and just to verify that that is that you are getting 6 and not.5. 6 for sure. I have no option to pick any >> available to me. Um >> I don't know. >> I have my notes. I I left my house in a hurry. I don't know why I didn't bring stuff. Um, >> I think yeah,
049my biggest thing was thinking in that community $4,000 >> because I'm like, they only spend 50 and they already have 50. They don't need another 40. And food service is zeroed out because everybody gets the because of the title one school or whatever, right? >> No. Even before that, it had to always be >> it has to always be zero or more. So 10 transfers money to zero amount. >> Oh, okay. >> Does that mean otherwise they would be in negative? So if we had negative lunch balance accounts in the past, we had to cover it as a school district. >> Good. Becky, >> you have your questions? >> No, I'm good. >> No, thank you. Were there any other questions regards to the presentation of the budget at this time? >> Okay. So, at
050this time, I'm looking for a motion to adjourn so we can move on to the next meeting. >> I will make a motion to adjurnn. >> I'll second that. >> A motion by Katie, seconded by Jamie. All those in favor say I. I >> I opposed. This meeting is adjourned. I apologize. I just want to take a quick bathroom break. I'm sorry. Think back. Then we'll start the next. >> All right. >> This is where we have to select a chair person and then >> just a community member. All these revelations you have to prove them. muted microphone. >> Welcome, folks. Thank you for your patience. All right. At this time, I'd like to call the meeting, the annual meeting of 2025 for Monday, October 27th, 2025 to order. First bout of business is we
051have to elect a chairperson to run the meeting. >> I'd like to nominate Tom Porter. >> Okay. Do we have any other nominations? >> Any other nominations? I nominate Becky. >> No. >> I decline. >> Okay. Any other nominations? Okay. Since the only other nomination declined, I guess I'm going to be the chairperson for this one. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. No, we're >> at this time we're looking at public comment. Anyone that wishes to make public comment at this time? >> I I'd just like to ask a question. We need to get a number of district residents for the minutes. >> Oh, >> the attendees at the meeting. Can we have be a number of hands? >> Yeah, raise your hands if you're district resident. involved. Oh my god. >> Fall board has to
052be >> there's an issue with one of us as well. >> Thank you. >> So what was the full count? >> 11. >> Thank you. That's one more than last year. >> One less we have general public. >> All right. If there's no public comment, we'll move on to the approval of the minutes for the October 28th, 2024 annual meeting. >> Make a motion to approve the minutes from October 28th, 2024. I'll second that. >> We have a motion by Katie, seconded by Jamie, and we're all part of this hearing, so we all vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. I any opposed passes on to >> do we have to approve all this? >> Yes, we have to go through and approve. Um, the next one is the proposed tax levy for
053the 2025 2026 school year. And that would be at the rate of >> which one is again? Five >> 5 million75. 543. >> That's not really something we have a choice on anyway, is it? >> It's just a process. >> Yeah. We still have to >> Yeah, I know, but I wasn't sure. It's divided out in each of the funds there, too. >> Yep. And I There's supposed to be >> It's under the annual meeting. >> Annual meeting >> if it gets voted down. >> Yeah, I know. >> Oh, there it is. on the tax levy. >> Yes. >> Or on the entire budget >> on the tax levy if it gets voted down. >> It's it's set by the state though. Like we don't get a choice in that number. >> You get a
054choice on the loans. >> Not on the levy that we're going to be taking tax-wise. >> Yeah. You're using part of the levy to pay back loans. >> I see what you're saying. >> Levy gets turned down. You have to make a decision about how to deal with going back to last year's tax levy or me going through this process. >> Well, we could go back to last year's we get a little bit more the mill rate. >> Yeah, we get 6.2. >> That's true. >> Five points on you. >> But just answering your question. Yes. >> Thank you. Yeah, everything gets voted down, the whole process has to be done. >> I'd like to make a motion um to accept the proposed tax levy for 2025 2026. >> Second. >> Okay. So, all right.
055Be it resolved that the electors of the school district of siren hereby approve a total levy of 5,75,543 distributed as follows. Fund 104,75,34 fund 38 $497 thou or $497,741. Fund 39, $462,498. Fund80, $40,000. Motion or motion put forth by John, seconded by Kevin. All those in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. There's one. >> One opposed. Any others? Okay. recorded 10 in favor, one opposed. So did >> I. >> Thank you. >> Resolution B uh to fix the school board salaries. This is something we just have to vote on every year. And let the public be known, we've frozen our salaries for the last >> two months. The board prior to Amy getting on had voted to uh freeze our salaries. >> Amy was just appointed after that vote had been made. >> And that's
056number >> correct. This is that number that we would be getting paid if we didn't freeze our salaries. >> Right. >> So it's not just a freeze. You're you're not getting your salaries. We are not getting our salaries currently, but it is I mean we can vote to put these numbers in here. >> When I brought it up initially, we all signed that we voluntarily were giving up our our salaries and I was told that we could bring it to the annual meeting and have it voted that there there be no board salaries. Is that true or not true? >> That was true. >> This is the time to make those changes. I would like to um do you make a motion on a resolution same way? >> No. >> Uh you'd have to amend
057make a motion to amend the resolution. >> I would like to make a motion to amend the resolution that the school board is a voluntary position at least until the next annual meeting because it's only a one-year thing. Correct. Yeah. I would like to make a motion that we do that. Also, >> your name >> Scott Lu. >> Thank you. So uh on the table or at this point right now we are looking at an amendment to the resolution to uh forego the salaries for the school board members. Um >> are you forgoing also the travel reimbursement if um additional >> if expenses are incurred? I'm not No, I'm not suggesting that. >> So the be further resolved that one would be >> you're talking about the salaries of >> just the stipens for the
058meetings. I mean, if the board member >> incurs an expense, then I do believe they should be >> because the second portion is like when you're missing work to go >> the dollar $85 a day for um missing regular employment for additional things. You're saying the site $50? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We've already put we've already put a freeze on those. >> Well, >> voluntarily, but not >> this is a permanent for anyone else that comes onto the board. They would have to accept this. >> Second. >> Yep. >> So, that's the amendment put forth is that we forego the pay of the board members in their regular meetings. >> Yes. >> But the further resolved would stand. Yes, >> that's just a friendly amendment on Peggy's end of things. >> Paulie >> Polly,
059sorry about something else. Um, on Pauliey's side of things. So, all those in favor to amending the resolved say I. >> I. opposed passes 110 for the amendment. So now looking uh for a motion that be it resolved uh that the elector or that the election of the school district of siren authorize that the uh position of school board member be voluntary without pay and be it further resolved that the board members be paid their actual unnecessary expenses. ES when traveling outside the district in the performance of his or her duties and reimbursement of a board member for his or her actual loss of earning, but not to exceed $85 per day when required by his or her duties as such member to be absent from his or her regular employment. Do I have someone
060who wants to make that motion? I'll move. Motion by Paulie, seconded by Scott. All those in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. 11 to zero. Next. This is for authorizing uh control of legal proceedings. Uh it reads, "Be it resolved that the electors of the school district assign and authorize the school board to direct and provide for the prosecution or defense of any action or proceeding in which the district is interested in. >> I make a motion that we approve um resolutions C through E or C through H as one. Does anyone have any issue with that? >> All those in favor of accepting resolutions C through H say I. >> I opposed. That mean that C through H all are 11 to zero. And letter I, this is in regards to the annual school
061district meeting. Uh there's been Oh, it's already been put in here that we're looking at moving it to August instead of October because of course August is the start of the school year. Instead of being two months in and voting on the budget now, we'd be able to actually vote on the budget before the school would uh be in session. Uh, and it would work better also, I believe Laura said, with some of the funding that comes in as well to be more accurate in regards to it. >> I think it'd help too when we're not missing band concerts and whatnot sitting out here. I only confusion would be is that we don't have your like number your official numbers for enrollment. So with the annual meeting and what it's just a proposed so when
062do I actually figure out the tax le is when you got the original budget. >> So the annual meeting and the budget thing would be separate. Is that what you're saying? So we would have the annual meeting in August and the budget hearing in October. >> No. So the budget hearing and the annual meeting will all be together. But then um this time next year in October when I have a set tax levy, it has to be done before a certain date in November. >> That would just be a separate meeting. >> It would be a separate meeting a special meeting. And then that's also when you adopt the new budget with the tax levy. question about that >> purpose for it then. >> So are we saying that we actually do have the numbers
063in August or we don't? >> No, you're just >> we don't we're making a proposed budget to approve and then we're >> and have to come back in. >> Right. I'd rather have all the numbers and all the information. >> My only other thing would be is public input from a guess in August to what you guys would be approving in October. >> Does make sense. Would there be any input at at that level in October then like as from the public? >> That's one of my concerns as well is that I don't want it to be viewed as the August meeting is an appeasement to the public and >> we potentially be doing other in October. What happens if we need to make some huge drastic budget change now that we've waited till October
064to do and we've already started things for the year because our our fiscal year is July, right? July to July. >> Then we do what we've always done. >> If there's what we're proposing is new, >> not been approved. you just go off of last year's budget until budget is approved cuz I mean if there's a I mean that's how the government works. I mean >> it's exactly what we're doing right now. So it wouldn't change anything in what would happen if we had to make a change. >> Would it allow us a a head start on really looking at and diving in the budget for the year >> because we're thinking about it that many months earlier at the end of one year and actually to the start of the next year. You're dealing
065with gueststimates >> and you guys are already going to start working on doing a budget workshops to get some of that idea in place where like at the county level they take off you know like the budget is approved in November but in dece or February or something they start setting goals so that the department heads and everybody know okay we can't look to do this or that you know where that's what you guys are starting to do which I don't know that that's h I mean I'm sure it has happened in the past maybe on the administrative level but not as openly with the full board. So I'm like I said I'm just concerned because even from today from what was published in the paper >> and now >> there's a change >> there's
066a penny difference in the levy not that it much matters it's penny but you know what I mean >> that the levy isn't decided until the start of fiscal year if we do it >> yeah and this wasn't this wasn't a suggestion from our administration this was a suggestion from bar our financial consultant projection All right. >> Webster annual meeting is in like September and Bransburg is this month too. So that's why I'm just I'm wondering if Beard is thinking we're a little bigger than you know like I don't know. It just seems it seems like really early >> but that just could be because it's the way that it's always been done around here. But that doesn't mean that it's the most fiscally responsible way. the financial consultant is recommending to do it in
067July and if they represent like threequarters of the school districts in the state >> and I get that I do >> I guess I trust their opinion more >> for the for the govern or for the pe public to be here for a proposed budget >> for a gueststimate budget proposed budget and say yeah we approved that and then come to find out two months later you guys have to adjust it and >> and it's something huge. >> Yeah, it doesn't make sense to me. >> It always It didn't always It wasn't always in August. I mean, it wasn't always in October. It used to be early >> early. Well, it used to be earlier, >> but it got moved to October because we had no numbers. >> Yep. >> And that's why it got
068moved. >> The numbers are based off of the last the three years with this year. So there >> that's why it got that. >> Okay. So, >> and I understand like for her it might be easier, but I don't know. I don't know. >> I feel like the numbers are still changing. I mean, from last Monday to this Monday, we lost 40. We lost 11 kids or something based on the numbers that we had. >> Well, but those don't I mean, we only take the numbers from the date count the third Friday. And though >> I know, but the exact same form had the numbers different. I showed it to you. >> Yeah. But one is that FTE versus the >> Yeah, but they both said FTE. >> Oh, >> I I have both of
069them. They both say FTE at the top of them. So, if if we've got numbers changing that rapidly, why would we why would we sit down and look at that in August? >> I guess I guess I would like more information on why Bar thinks that it's good to do it. Why? Why do does the administration also agree with Bar saying, "Yeah, let's go in August." It makes sense. It does. >> Why? >> I think it had more to do with the short-term borrowing and approving the bank. >> Oh, approving the bank for short-term borrow. >> See, and that makes sense. There's a reason that >> But does that have to be done at the annual? That could just be done in a regular. Technically, I believe it's supposed to be I would like to
070um is does the resolution actually say it would be switched to August? >> Yes. >> I would like to amend the resolution to continue to have the annual school district meeting in October. also >> to the fourth Monday in October. >> Fourth Monday in October at 7:15. >> Sure. 7:15 is perfect. >> It going to interfere with my bedtime. I'd of course appreciate it being earlier, but it's not sleeping. >> I know. >> Okay. So we have a amendment to the proposed resolute or proposed resolution by Paulie seconded by Scott. Correct. Uh to change the month in August to or fourth Monday in August to fourth Monday in October. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. I it was in vote opposed >> one. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So 10 to zero or
07110 to one. The amendment to the resolution passes. So be it resolved that the electors of the school district of Siren authorized the annual school district meeting will be held at the Siren School at 7:15 on the 4th Monday in October. Be it further resolve the electors authorize the school board to make adjustments in accord with legislation as such date as law requires for the 2025. No, this should be for the 2026 2027 school year. So you want to make I'll make the motion >> like it was helder or not hover but not >> by myself. Seconded by Paulie. All those in favor say I. I opposed. >> So it's still 10 to one. Correct. >> One one opposed. and on to new business 2025 2026 budget adoption. We already went over this in the
072previous meeting. So I'll put forth the motion to adopt the budget. >> Motion by myself, seconded by Kevin. All those in favor. >> Wait, can we have discussion? >> Oh, sorry. Yes, go ahead. >> Okay. So, often times budgets need to be changed. What is the process after the budget is approved for changing something in the budget? >> So, after the original budget, this is just proposed budget, >> right? After the original budget is approved, >> then then you have to um >> after the original budget is approved telling us what would have to happen. >> Any changes that you make, then you have to do a notice to the newspaper. And >> that's what I thought it was changed. >> So it would be published. Yep. Okay. Any other discussion before we take the
073vote? All those in favor say I. I opposed. Passes 110. Now we need to elect a wall of honor committee member. I nominate Paulie. >> We have a nomination for Paulie. Any other nominations? Congratulations, Paulie. >> Thank you. >> Now we can Looking for a motion now to adjourn the annual meeting. >> I'll make a motion to adjourn the annual meeting. >> Now we have >> We have a motion by Jamie, seconded by John. All those in favor say I. >> I opposed. Thank you very much everyone for your interest. Your time is greatly appreciated. >> Yes. And your side. >> And now Yes. Let me know when you're ready. We'll reconvene into the monthly meeting. >> I didn't know. Are youing this then? >> No. >> So, what are the >> So, we got
074to go back to the monthly meeting >> and >> can we as members make >> take appropriate action? >> Okay. So >> you're back to um 16. >> Yep. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Regular >> on the regular meeting, >> right? So >> we have to approve it again. >> I believe this is a roll call vote. >> Okay. >> Take a roll call vote for the school district of Siren to hereby approve the certification. >> Thanks for coming. you guys. >> Have a good night. >> of the 2025 2026 tax living in the amount of 5,45,500 or $953 distributed as follows. Fun 10 for 4,366,129. 1381 181,226 139 $458,598 $598 sorry 180 $40,000 even let's see Jamie big girl >> Amy Well, >> okay. We'll take a motion on it first. >> Think I
075need a motion. >> I'll make a motion to approve the tax. >> I'll second it. >> Motion by Katie. Seconded by Jamie. Jamie, take the roll call vote, please. >> Amy. >> Katie. >> Just looking. >> Yes. >> Uhhuh. >> Yes. >> Jamie. Yes. Katie. >> Yes. >> Polly. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Can I just verify you were you had read the um from the resolution A from the annual meeting. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> And adoption of the 2025 2026 original budget. >> I will make a motion to approve the original budget for 20. What year is it? 2025 2026 >> 2526 >> motion by Katie >> I'll second it >> seconded by Jamie >> for the adoption of the original budget for 2025 2026 all those in favor say I >> I
076>> not a roll call for this one >> it's not a resolution >> right >> got it >> opposed >> and again just for clarification that's this page in annual. >> So those are two different >> and you didn't read the resolution because tax levy changed >> from the annual meeting. That was just a proposal. >> We had to you have to come to the annual meeting with the items that were posted in the paper. >> No, but where is the adoption of the original budget >> that I just >> But you don't have a copy of it. >> That's what I was. >> It's in >> Is it posted online? Yes, it's on. And if you go into the docs, it's B. Well, we have the correct one. It's under 16B. >> Okay. So,
077it's attached on the >> Yes. In that packet >> or was attached to A under 16 as well. >> Thank you. >> I make a motion to adjurnn. >> Jamie, seconded by Amy. All those in favor say I. I you all for your time. >> So we have a meeting Monday. >> Yep. >> And then Monday and then Monday >> and then holiday break >> and then we have I don't >> Monday's the third. >> Yeah. Monday is the third already. >> Yeah. >> Every time I'm leaving I'm like, "Okay, when do we have the next Okay. Like is