001members are present except for Miss Nelson. He'll be coming shortly. Uh before I make a motion to approve the agenda, did you have something to add? So we actually have yesterday we were contacted by Yesterday we were contacted by the city and they are proposing an easement. Uh we're requesting an easement so that they could put a sidewalk in behind from the water treatment center to the Liberty. um kind of a dead end at Liberty if you don't behind kind of at the outdoor classroom right there. Uh it it is it's mutually beneficial and they received a grant or something. TJ actually has more information on that. Um so I would respectfully request if uh we could add that to the agenda. They contacted us yesterday and apparently they need board approval. We had approved
002it um in a different manner, but they needed formal board approval and they would like to move forward with it tonight uh because they're at the city council meeting right now. Uh so we're hoping that we could add that to the agenda if the board is comfortable with that. Yes. Is what's the official request TJ? It's grant to city easement. Okay. Motion made by second by Hancock. Any other just Oh, where should we? Why don't I put it right after donations? Okay, perfect. So, we'll slide everything else after donations down one. Okay. So, to you made a motion to add that. Should we use that as a motion to to approve the agenda with that addition? Okay. Okay. Sounds good. Okay. Sounds good. You want a second? Okay. So motion made by Shillian, second by
003Hancock. Any other discussion? All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. Please stand for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Did we have any open form? Okay, since there's no open form, we'll move on to the consent agenda. The previous minutes from the March 26th regular schoolboard meeting, the March 26th work session, and the April 9th work session, claims and accounts in the amount of 2,493,66847, the credit card report, the personnel report, and the final reading of the policy listed below. Motion to approve Okay. Motion made by Shabilian, second by Sixberry. Any other discussion? All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. On to donations. I will make a motion
004to approve the donations. Second by Brown. Any other discussion? All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. Okay. On to the grant the C easement. And I asked TJ to kind of just show TJ have a map too, right? Yes. So he'll show and display kind of what we're talking about. This timewalk students and staff radio. That was my question. Guess my concern is people coming, you know. It's a little more inviting. Yeah, I guess I just But it's kind of really It's just a thing. And then we'll just we'll do we'll do snow removal there then. Personally, I feel better. Clearly something you out for a walk. Is there signs there? No. again. It's just more That's right. But there is a you said a gate further up as you get closer to the playground.
005So if we have a sign at the entrance and then the gate further up. It's not just Thank you. right now. They're kind of Authorities. All in favor? I opposed. Motion carries. Thank you, TJ. Okay, on to the financial report. Wait for Stephanie to reconnect there. It'll be a short financial report this month because there's no budget revisions. There we go. She already has it reconnected. So, we'll start out with enrollment as usual. Can go into the Next slide. Yes. So, more good news. I feel like I come every month with this good news, but uh um enrollment increased again from uh March 1st and growth this month actually came at Independence and Liberty. So, um so that that's good. And so, if you recall last month, um I had adjusted the general education aid
006because our enrollment was up. Well, now we're up from that revised budget. So, we're four ADMs over our revised enrollment budget of 3127. So, um this is just fantastic news. I don't really have more to say than that. And you can see graphically I adjusted the yellow line because we had increased that enrollment budget and we're and we're over again. So, um I mean I anticipate we'll either end up right on or a little bit over at the end of the year. So, and as we all know, that's our bread and butter for uh the district that general education aid. Um there is no budget revisions for this month month. As I mentioned, we're continuing to monitor legislative activity. Um just a preview of one thing I do need to bring before the board next
007month. So previewing next month is I go through all our capital and construction items because sometimes we have timing different, you know, we think a project might be done by June 30th, but it goes into the next fiscal year. So, I go through those capital and other construction project items and I'll probably bring budget revisions to you next month for that. So, just previewing um what's going to happen next month. So, this is the summary budget that you see every month. I just want to point out because we're going to talk about this I think in two agenda items that committed for Liberty Shelter. um that's at 29,000 that we're going to talk about uncommitting um that fund balance, but I'll get to that when we get to that agenda item. Continuation of our discussion
008from the work session a couple weeks ago. And just some other financial updates. We are entering into transportation negotiations and uh the committee Lynette and Ashley and myself met this morning to talk about that. So, um we are meeting um with vision on Monday. And just a couple other things that's been going on is as we were selected for MTSS grant monitoring that state grant we have um all that information was submitted here I think a week or so ago. um have not heard back yet obviously but I think everything's in shape so I don't anticipate any findings but just want to make you aware that uh we were selected for that and the information was submitted and I'm really excited about that last item because did our final ESSER grant reporting we're done and
009I'm really glad um because this last survey and this is my third or fourth year of doing this survey it's a lot of detail work but it's done and I think we're finally done with all CO reporting at least from my end anyway. So, can't help but being excited about that. So, um that's all for I have for financial report. No budget revisions unless there's any questions for me. Motion made by Breton, second by Hancock. Any other discussion? All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. Okay. On to service. Yeah. Um Stephanie, maybe just bring up that memo. So, every year at this time, um, I usually come before the board recommending or or asking for approval of our contract with Chartwells. So, I'll just highlight what I have in the memo there. Um, so this
010is the fourth year of our partnership with Chartwells. We're allowed to do um an original contract plus four years. So, we can we can do five years and we're in our fourth year. Um and then at the end of five years, we have to go through the former um soliciting of of proposals for food service management companies, but we've got one more year and then we'll have to do that. Um the contract proposal, it's a cost reimburseable contract like we've always had. And so how Chartwells gets paid is is there's a per meal fee, administrative fees, and they are proposing a 3.1% increase which reflects basically the current inflationary environment. The state actually sets that rate. They really don't have a lot of control over it and it's based on inflation. So it would increase
011the per meal fee to it changed to 22.09 cents per meal and this year's rate is 21.43 cents per meal. And again, as I mentioned, it just reflects the current inflationary environment. I just want to add, I've been very pleased with Chartwells. I am very happy with our new food service director. Lisa was here. I think two months ago. Um she is really doing well and she and and I I say she's a genuine partner with us and she consistently keeps our best interests in mind and so I'm very pleased with them and I hope the board is also because I do recommend approval of the 2526 contract renewal with tarpos. I'll make a motion to renew the renewal of food service management. A motion made by six Second by Brown. Any other discussion? All
012in favor? I opposed. Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you. Uh repurposing of the committed funds. Yeah. So, as I alluded to this and we we this this is a continuation I guess our discussion from the last work session. So, we had this balance or this I should say donations several years ago of $29,120 and at the time the donors had restricted it restricted it to build a Liberty shelter or a shelter out at Liberty and um COVID hit and since then that entity is no longer that um help me out Amber the entity is no longer there is no longer the entity is there. So, you had talked with someone that was involved with this? Yep. So, the president of the of the association and it was the Lake Youth Association um that that fundraised
013the money and then donated it to the school to build a shelter out there um on the school grounds. Um the um nonprofit was terminated last year, right? And so he was fully okay with it being um uncommitted for that reason. Just I told them I don't you know it's really not within reach at that price to build a like a pavilion. Um yeah because then and then at the time the thought was is there would have been more fundraising to get enough money to build this shelter. Well and then like I said co hit because this was right before CO hit. Yeah. And and really the nonprofit kind of disseminated few years ago. It just it never got completely Yeah. formally um disbanded until last year. So anyways, totally okay with it going back
014to the school. Um the only comment was that you know the the fundraising was done um for athletics and activities, right? Um and we would love for that money to stay with the activities across the board. So however it needs to be used but with with activities in mind, right? So, what I'm going what I'm recommending is that the board uncommit. So, basically, I would need a motion in a second and approve to uncommit for the Liberty Shelter. And then what we would then do is then move that money. We already have an assigned fund balance for athletics and activities. So, we would move that money from the committed fund balance into the athletics and activities fund balance. And then I would recommend um we'll talk with uh with Mark and determine a purpose for
015it. And I I I would recommend then we come back to the board and maybe with recommendation on how to use the money, but it would just take it out of that committed because we can't spend it on anything else as long as it's in that fund balance. But the board has the authority to commit it to unc to commit and uncommit. And then and then then I would recommend then that we we then move the money to the assigned for athletics and activities fund balance. I feel really comfortable. I mean I was I was part of that association in the very beginning. I think Tanya you might have been involved too. Um and then after speaking with the the last president there um I feel pretty comfortable um making the motion to uncommit those.
016Motion made by Sixberry, second by Hancock. Any other discussion or questions? There's not a specific project. Right. Right. It's like what the board is doing tonight is uncommitting the funds so we can use it for athletics and activities. Does that make sense? No. And I and I think that's where maybe we we rely on Mark. Yeah. And then you would you would come back and then I think we should report. Yeah, I I would once he makes a recommendation either he or I could come back and then report to the board, but it would be it would just so going into that assigned fund balance means it can only be spent on athletics and activities. So we're still meeting the intent, you know, but it's just Yeah. And and that's what that group was really
017developed for was to raise funds for um activities in I wouldn't say just athletics but activities in big lake um you know big I think in the beginning there was big dreams right but it just it just didn't work out so well and and with co it just it it yeah because the you know there was no fundraising there was well we we all remember that everything was shut down and so any other questions or comments all in favor I opposed. Motion carries. Thank you, Angie. All right. Thank you. And then I'll I will have that change in next month's financial report. I'll show it to you on that summary sheet. Okay. Thank you. Uh resolution for non-renewal of teaching contract. Uh yes, Madam Chair, members of the board, we do have two additional um
018just like last month, we had two additional names added to that nonrenewal list. At this point, I would recommend motion. Okay. Motion made by Hancock. Second by Brown. A roll call vote. Shabilian. I. Sixberry. I. Hancock. I. Rezner. I. Brown. Hi. Nelson. Hi. Okay. Motion carries. Our resolution carries. Okay. Uh, second reading of policies. Uh, yes, Madam Chair. members of the board. Nothing really new to add to this. It's been on here a few months. I'm hoping to move that into the consent agenda next month. So, okay. Uh, school board committee representative updates. Uh, finance committee, we haven't met. Uh, policy, we haven't met. Uh, buildings and grounds, you have not met. Uh, any other representation? Well, the legisl It is interesting. Um, so before so they were out of session last they were on
019break last week for the holiday. Um, but prior to that they had a deadline for all of their budget targets. Um, and we got quite a variation just to make everyone aware of. So Governor Walt's proposal in terms of K12 education budget is um reducing by 240 million 26.7 and reducing by 445 million 2829. the elation of student among other things. The Senate target was 0% 26.70 26.7 and then negative taking away million budget and the big one here for they approved ongoing matchpen proposes repealing that um which would beow are only only flexible to cover all the unex. So, um Ashley, can I just interject really quick on that because I did learn a little bit more about that as well. But I know that Ashley and I attended staff. Um she was there
020in person. I was there virtually and there was some heated discussions and different exchange and different and we were texting back and forth. Just just don't tell the kids that. No. No. But we did and I was I was saying that back and forth but no it's very true. This is this is going to have a huge impact on us. Um but I did learn today they are saying and I forget I think it was MA which is another association similar to the staff. Um but they uh said that they are to clarify the purpose was positive not necessarily they they had some meetings with the I know because they just took a whole big strike through the proposal. Yeah. So I mean I guess I'm hoping they're hoping their feedback is getting through to
021them. I'm I'm certainly hopeful, but also Ashley and I also in our communications expressed that this is the big this is the big the general fund because otherwise we would have to go down and advocate for any increase. This is the only thing that this was the big win in that last bennium that last legislation because we were guaranteed I believe it was no less than two and no more than three. And I will tell you that for years I remember doing um in my career the average increase was like 1.7% increase for years because we received it was like zero. We had in a row in a row I mean it's that's so this was a huge win back in that benium and for them to target this as a possibility that is detrimental
022to our flexibility and the funding of our schools across the state. So this is a biggie folks. So stay tuned on this one. So I just want to interject my frustration. No, you know, and so so we did um attend that school funding. It was a very good meeting in that there was a um Democrat and Republican member of the House Education Finance Committee on site right there. So they had to similar and they for their part the house being tied was very receptive to those concerns. Um and their targets are actually $40 million increase in 267 which they have prioritized there and then a Z targeted placeholder to the ways and committee they didn't actually provide any real details this $4 million first 26.7. So attended that staff meeting couple district. Um there's one
023other thing. Um so there's some improvements that are going through the but working and I think too also at SAP there's a few things uh but the one piece just jumping on that pension piece too was that mathematically speaking the sooner you can get a veteran teacher to retire the savings is almost two for one so there's a lot of education and I don't know that all educators understand that and I don't know I for sure know that all legislators don't understand the problem is it's an expensive fix, but the even bigger problem is to ignore it just basically makes it worse time. So, it's almost like an escalator. It just gets worse. So, um that's why there's a big push and I know there was a rally in the recent communications and it's just
024really important just for you to have on your radar. This all has to do with TR and the ability for teachers to retire a bit earlier. Uh because if you take a look at how the salary schedule is set up essentially, it's kind of It does long term longterm correct I think I think the teachers right and I think it's a big and and prior to us there used to be a thing called rule of 90 which was your years of surfers service and your age add up to 90 you're eligible for retirement that no longer exist and they used to do 66 last year they 65 and the problem it's again it's an expensive fix but it's investment now will save long term but unfortunately by investing now that does that's not really popular
025so it's a bit of an up but I also wanted to share too that I know Ashley did a nice job at that staff meeting one of the legislators B Bakeber. Bakeber. He's actually a school principal in Jordan. Yes. And he is a uh Republican member of the House and he's very well spoken and I actually really appreciate his honesty and straightforwardness because I don't necessarily always agree with him, but in the same respects he's very factual and he basically says things and I think there was a little there was a little bit of a heated exchange a few times at that meeting. Uh it was it was interesting. No. No. But but Ashley did speak up. I didn't hear her. I did hear her. She had some varying opinions about some of the proposals
026and I felt the need to just try and advocate for she represented well. represent but uh but no one of the things I do appreciate about representative is he is very um to the point you'll ask questions like the hopes and dreams like hey is there any chance of this no there's no chance of this it's not like a politician going tell me more about that chance we'll move on probably is no time any other Oh yeah, we did. We hired new superend. I thought Did I not say that at the last meeting? No, I think he said it at the work session. Oh, okay. Sorry. Yeah, we hired Brian Nutter. So, he comes with a background in tech ed. Um, he's actually ran a school similar to Right Tech, just a little bit smaller.
027um military background, been a teacher um administrator. So I think I mean I think his background is spot on. Um for right tech I one thing I like about it is that he has kind of everything we need including I don't think he's afraid to get his hands dirty in a school like right tech you need to be able I mean I just think there's things that get done there so it takes a little bit more um dedication in that way but I I think he's going to be a great fit. He's been at the rate tech a few times now for meetings. Um we also have our support staff which this happens quite often. I know in our own experience here in Big Lake when a um you know executive director or superintendent retires
028sometimes support staff hires with them. So that is also happening. Um so he did help to interview the the new hire for that and we did actually that was the biggest agenda item at the last meeting was that we had a um had to approve a a replacement. So yeah, all all around good news right tech there. Okay, if we have another report, we're on to I'm not g And then so hard. So if you were able open. So really well started and opportunities. about And then action. And then last but not least at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. on to your report. All right. It's always hard to follow that one. There's always really a lot of fun stuff. But uh I will I will say this. The MCO I was actually just reading
029in the newspaper. There was a nice article about the um matters thing. I don't had a chance to read that, but that was there too. Uh yes, too, I also want to just clarify. Um so on my one of my updates a couple weeks ago, I said I threw up the first pitch, but I failed to which game it was. So, I told Tanya it was a Twins, but uh I lied. No, it was the Big Lake High School. When I talked to him, I said, "Where are you throwing out the first pitch?" Cuz if it was the Twins game, you should have been like, "I was a bigger deal." No, but it was really neat. Actually, it's a And and I'm not sure if this is a new tradition or not, but I've never
030been invited, so I'm going to call it new. But it was they they you you throw it out and then all the players sign the ball. Well, I I wanted to throw a strike, so I only went like 20 feet back. I didn't even stand on the mound. So, and of course, Colti was all over me about that. He was like, "Oh, yeah. Real hard to throw a strike." And then Prom Bra came after me afterwards. Oh, yeah. 20 feet out, it's kind of hard not to throw a strike. Well, I was a track guy. All right. I was a track guy. So, anyway, just to clarify some of those things, but there's some great activities going on and the weather's been somewhat cooperative. So, I would say come and check it out. Um, and
031by the way, my my calendar list is just huge. I will send this out during my weeklys and I'll go through the information. But, um, before we do that, I do have Stephanie coming up because she's got a couple really cool things that she wants to talk to you about. So, just kind of a heads up from Stephanie's neck of the woods. Yeah. So, in uh Mr. Trumach's uh email update this week, you will see two items from me. One of them will be a facilities update. Um we've been working really hard on analyzing the document that we do have that kind of guides how we facilitate facility rentals in our district. Um just a couple of the big notes that that are different from the previous document is we went from five different um
032pricing groups down to four. Um our real goal here was to simplify everything. So we went from five to four um eliminated the group four pricing and took group five to group four. Um, so simplifying that a little bit, most of the rest is the same. Some language changes in there, but uh, the community at Advisory Council has seen it all. We've talked about it and they're in favor of putting it to the full board now. So, you'll see that in his email. The other project we've been working on is an annual survey to send out to our families um, just to gauge responses on how we're doing all questions related to the district strategic plan. So um the goal here is to send this out annually. Um it is a little bit lengthy but
033the hopes is they'll see the benefit of responding and you know year after year keep returning and investing their time to help us direct where we need to go as well. So districtwide yes sorry first one community at then communications. Yeah. and and kudos to Stephanie and her crew for doing this survey piece. It's been a lot of work because there's been a lot of input either whether it be via cabinet or individual principles or the principal groups. I know there's been a lot of discussion around this. Would appreciate it if you could take a quick look at it. I'll send it out on Friday when we have the final draft version. We are hoping to have this wrapped up by April 30th. So, if you could take a look at it and maybe respond
034if you do have some feedback or something specific, you'll kind of get the inside scoop on some of the questions that are asked. Concept is to kind of get some longitudinal data over time. uh based on an annual survey to kind of gather that feedback and again all centered around kind of the concept of community engagement and trying to listen to what our our constituents are really that's the whole premise of the whole piece. It's a start. We thought we would try it kick it off and get it going and it's not anonymous. We should point that out too. Oh yes. Yep. So talking to some other districts and um a lot of them are going to not doing things anonymous. Um, and what that allows us to do is maybe capture things that people
035are willing to have a conversation about. Um, in the intro they'll see that yes, it's not anonymous. We're going to collect your email address, but you know, the bulk of the data that is, you know, handed out and collected, it will be anonymous still. It's just if something stands out because there are some open-ended questions to, then we know who we can talk to. Let's have a conversation about that. as well. All right. Thank you, Stephanie. Appreciate that. I do have a couple other items here, Madam Chair. Uh, graduation. It is that time of year to be talking about that already. Uh, so I just want to get it on your radar. Save the date. May 30th. Did any of you tell the new board member that she has to give a speech this year?
036Totally. I am totally kidding. Sorry. No, it's it's all good. No, no. So, it's it's no, I'm told 100% it's all good. But I do know that we really love seeing the board members there. It's a great opportunity for us to dress up and really show our support of these students. And I'm super excited for the class of 2025. It is on May 30th and it is at 7:30. Uh we'll be asking I'll get you some more information. I know the invites will be coming soon, but please save that date. It's that Friday and it's a wonderful and again it'll be in the gym this year so we don't have to worry about rain and it's air conditioned now. So that's nice as well. It's way better graduated in there. Everyone Yes. Yeah. Just a
037few years ago. Yeah. Just a few years ago we were all there, too. Yeah. Yeah. So, that was that's I'm super looking forward to that, right? Yeah. Yeah. Right. I know. Well, actually, I'm comfortable with the suit now because anyway, it was hot. Uh, and then last but not least, I do want to talk about from around the district tonight as we speak. Right now, uh, at in St. cloud. There are one, two, three, four students being honored in the students of excellence award. The recipients unfortunately are correlated with this evening. I just want to give you those names. This is an annual award where these students are recognized basically for their awesomeness in general. That's a truebach term. Uh but really they do well academically, they do well with um uh from the culture
038perspective and from relationships and and I think it's just a great representation. The individuals are uh Gwen uh Neimla, believe that's how you say that, Alli Cross, Gavin Jones, and Isabella Richtor. Um so those individuals are being honored tonight uh at the Students of Excellence. It is resource training and solutions. And if you maybe remember uh it's a regional uh it's a regional group um that serves our our area but they also have the uh staff person of the year awards and the LEA the leaders and education award that's usually in the fall. So this is the springtime one only students. Yep. And so what happens is the students um attend with their parents and they're allowed to bring a teacher, one of their teachers that represented and then also we have a school administrator
039there I believe um uh Dean Jake is there this evening kind of covering that is a senior is it is it is and uh yeah we we will make sure we get some pictures and that we have them on the website as well. It's an annual annual awards and they they have a nice meal and they have a nice um entertainment and they have a superintendent speaker and they do some nice things. So, it's pretty it's pretty honored for those students. So, super proud that they are able to represent. Um also, I'm going to go through this laundry list of things like May is crazy, but I think if you just want to maybe perk up when you hear maybe your name or your group, I'll go through it and then I will send this
040again during my weekly. Uh, but Alexis already said we've got the musical this weekend. Um, and also two transportation negotiations 9:00 am on Monday, April 28th. That's for Lynette and Ashley. Prom May 3rd. Um, and then now on May 7th, there is academic awards ceremony from 6:30 to 8:30 up at the high school auditorium. May 12th is a governing board co-op meeting and that's at 5:00. Tanya, there's a concert right after that. I believe it's here. Uh yes, rest big. Correct. Uh Big Lake Community Education Advisory Council, Lynette, that is on the 13th at 5:30. Uh BLEM negotiations, it is our first teacher negotiation session will be on May 14th and that is Ashley and Derek um just for your at from 4 to 6. We have another awesome work session at 6:30 uh on
041the 14th. Also, simultaneously that evening, there is the fine arts awards. Unfortunately, uh at the same time, it's at 6:30 to 7:30 up in the auditorium. Uh just wanted to just throw this out there that on May 19th, it is the end of the legislative session in theory. In theory. In theory. So, we shall see. Yeah, we shall. We shall see. We shall see. Yep. Uh, also I want to let you know that on May 20th there will be a staff recognition open house from 2:30 to 5:30 and that is kind of our annual end of year celebration and it is at the uh, Lucalin community space. Uh, right Stephanie? Yes. And um, it'll be a great time honoring the years of service as well as retirees and things like that as well. From 2:30
042to 5:30 that's May 20th. And I get a t-shirt this year. I just want to tell you because it's my fifth year, right? All right. That's kind of nice. Kim has to put up with my enthusiasm about this thing. It's my 25th. Super cool. I'm gonna wear it to every board meeting next year. Wearing a t-shirt. Thank you, Derek. That would be great. That would be great. Uh So May 20th is another round of a food shelf board meeting. Tanya, I'm hoping that you can you can attend with me as well and more that's a cliffhanger. More information about that later in the meeting. Uh policy committee May 21st Tanya Ashley Derek staff Ashley May 22nd. Um, no school of 26, Memorial Day, seniors last day on the 28th. Um, the same day as the
043district curriculum advisory committee meeting at 5:00, Ashley. And then we have a regular meeting that day as well. And then the last day with students is May 29th with our awesome graduation on May 30th. And I've got a couple June dates, but I'll save those for my updates because that's a little ways. I went really fast through those, but again, don't worry because I will send this out on my weekly. Uh, but hopefully you're able to kind of catch it. Maybe anybody listening can just be aware that we are busy and uh we do our due diligence to make sure we are in attendance at all these things. So, it's great. Um, okay. Uh, we have another item as part of my report and that is kind of a continuation of our discussion around the
044bond and operating election. Um, I wanted to just kind of update us on a on a few areas as it relates to uh the conversation we continued at Right Tech a couple weeks ago. Um, and uh I know at that evening uh I did introduce a new concept around a food shelf uh being part of that potential ask to our community. And I wanted to let you know that Tanya and I last week we did go to that board meeting and uh I feel like um they were really receptive to it. They were very open to it. They they expressed their gratitude that we wanted them uh at the end and they said that they were really really excited about the potential opportunity to do that. They did ask for some more specifics because currently
045I do know that they get a really good deal from the city to rent that space. I think it's a dollar they said something like that. Uh and I said well we would need to make sure that we had we would ask them to cover essentially operating of that space the operating cost of that space. Um so we're working out all those details and hopefully we'll go to them on the 20th with that information or at least a general idea. Uh, but I want to let you know that they were really excited about the I think I can add the word excited about that opportunity. And since then too, I've been meeting with Principal Dondorf from the high school and he is he is his mind is flowing freely about the possibilities of partnerships that
046could be built with that food or food shelf and the possibility of everything from volunteerism um to to business classes um to even civics classes. in the middle school as well. When I spoke with Mark, he talked about that he's got some kind of civic type classes that could also understand what nonprofits are and being part of the community is and being part of some of these needs as well as providing volunteers. We already do have some of our special education students that do provide some services there as well. So, it kind of go hand in hand with a lot of the things that we're already doing that would provide a great extension to our classrooms here as well. So, I think it could be a potential great activity and a great partnership, but again,
047we'll have to wait to see where that aligns up with everything else. So, I guess at this point I maybe maybe we just and I'm just kind of guiding the conversation if that's okay. Uh, is there any questions specific about food shelf? Good question that I do not know. Right. And I don't know, Angie, do you have any opinions on that? If they would be She was asking if that would be a stand like insurance on food shelf being in that space underneath our umbrella. Yeah. And I don't I don't see any concerns with that at all. Yes. And speaking of that too, if I can just add too, because I know Angie was tasked with contacting our uh bond attorney bond attorney to make sure that this was even possible. I know Angie's got
048some information to share with the board on that as well. Yeah. Yeah. So, actually, yeah, I contacted our our bond attorney, Andrea Hedkkey, and then she in turn um consulted with some of her partners in the firm um because the concern was is would we have to issue taxable bonds versus taxexempt bonds because taxable bonds would be a higher interest rate. But so they asked me a series of questions and as long as or yeah so given given that the food shelf space is less than 5% of the total square footage and there would be less than 5% of private business use. We are okay with issuing tax exempt bonds. So that and she very much appreciated that we were coming to her right now with that question. So so we are okay. we do
049not have to issue taxable bonds as well as um so that was on the federal side and then she also said on the state side she says we don't see any concerns from a state law authority perspective so we're good y so that kind of covered the food shelf concept was there any other questions or comments or thoughts on the food shelf concept yeah that's great I think you know one thing too mind and I had a convers it's it's either helpful or I interrupt her at work because we could yell back and forth from our offices and uh one conversation we had as we were it's true Kim gets Kim just gets some of the uh residual noise that it's True. It's true. But uh the one thing she was talking about was like
050a a generational kind of education too because as you recall part of this concept was to include a community space where it could be essentially utilized uh from our community but also from classrooms and all kinds of things. But we could essentially kind of pick up some of those senior center spaces that space uh that's currently there and utilize our space because I think they they meet on Tuesdays as I recall because I think you had gone to that meeting right with that. So we could for sure have a space like that that could offer our senior senior citizens a place to engage and meet and be as well and um we could kind of in and u get our students to come in and do some things as well if needed. So I just
051think that there's some great opport Yeah. Well, and and and as it as it sits right now, I think um they're not going to have a choice. Come May of 2027, it's going to be gone. Did they do you know also? I think that whole space is that whole space is gone. Yet, well, I know that part, but I meant like are they absorbing and having a space with the senior I I am not aware of this. I think I can I and again it's been a little while. I've not been plugged into some of the social media concepts and thoughts, but I know there was some some concerns around that that I don't know that there was a plan for that. The chambber has last I heard there wasn't a plan for that. Right.
052That was right. And I guess I would have to check for sure, but I do think that correct. Correct. So I think that's uh that's a big piece there. But I do think it's a great partnership that's potential. So um Okay. Well, I I will keep us moving and if unless there's more questions on PHO. Okay. Well, I uh the additional information uh that was requested of Angie to work with Ellers was to increase the operating levy uh because we had talked about that specifically, talk about the impact as well as increasing the bond referendum information. So, Angie has that information. I've handed out to you something for your handy dandy uh folders and um it's an additional that reflects those things. So, Angie, if you want to walk through some of those. Sure. Yeah.
053So, so under I think the Yeah, the handout you just received. Yeah. I just got this this morning from Ellers. And what I want to mention is is so the second scenario it says $36.3 million bond. That's because to get 36 million for construction because there's issuance costs with with with the bond they had you have to raise it to 36.3. So to make sure we have 36 million available for construction. So that's why you see 36.3 versus just 36. And um so then under under this scenario so so there's two scenarios with the bond 30 million and 36.3. And under this scenario, we could raise the operating referendum piece to 2.15 million per year. No tax impact. So like because you can see with operating referendum reduction in other levies. So net change is
054zero. So then the tax increase and again we're using that $400,000 home. So you can see the impact there of the 36.3 um annually, you know, $434 or $36 a month. And then you can see on top the 30 million. I mean, there's not a whole lot of change between 30 million and 36.3. $30 a month versus $36 a month. And then some of the other other scenarios, I mean, just to refresh your memory, oh yeah, we had 30, we had 35 million and that is $35 a month. So, not a whole lot of change between the 30 35 36.3 when you when you on a by month basis. 72. Yeah. Yeah. 30 million to 36.3 for the 72. No, no. I was saying overall if we went from the bottom it's 72 more than
055right right no adding question no between the two so the strange if I can interject real quick yeah yeah I'm there's questions I'm good the unique thing about this is as you recall last fall question one was the ad and Question two, the math worked out to where it was zeroed out. Now it's the opposite where the amount of question one basically um balances out the debt dropping off the debt that would be added makes it zero and then the ad is on question two with the bond referendum question. So, I found that kind of interesting. And maybe I should just add to with the operating referendum, I would be very comfortable with this dollar amount considering I keep saying, you hear me saying, I think we have a financial storm coming. And um so
056this would help us stay afloat. So, I'm very very comfortable with that number. Exactly. Because yeah, we right. I mean, if they take away that, okay, now they're saying only one year, but still if they take that away, you know, that's almost a million dollars. Yeah. So, I just keep going back. No, I know. I know. Well, and again, I can only report what I was told today because it was it was which is awesome. I hope they Yeah. I I I don't know. My guess is that they're getting, you know, so that kind of reflects kind of that request and you can see it's I guess not not I mean it's it's a lot of money but in the same respect it's not that much difference going from 30 million to 36 million and
057both of those actually neutralize the Well, this that's all up for debate. Sure can and that will be more discussion. We we are well we we can certainly talk a little bit about that tonight. I don't know how late you want to stay this evening. Uh, but we can certainly take this up on the 14th as well. I do know this. I I need to um visit with the group about review and comment timeline. I was on the phone with Robert multiple times today and uh we were we were surprised that review and comment needs to be submitted by June 17th, which just seems insanely early to me, Angie. I mean, it just we talked about this. It's just seems really early. Uh but that said, um the reviewing comment timeline is as follows. Uh
058what I'm proposing is that on May 14th, we attempt to have that conversation and get ourselves narrowed down to where we have a general idea of this is what we are going to so that Robert can create a draft of the review and comment. He has explained to me that he would be able to send that review and comment to me and I could send it out to you ahead of time so that on May 28th he would be here. He would present the review and comment and you could you can um provide some additional feedback but if the board would be pleased and happy with it at that night they could approve it and you could submit it following that. So, um, I'm kind of expediting this, but there is a fall back that
059if there were too many changes that would be needed, we could call a special board meeting on June 11th, which is our work session date anyway. We're already committed to that day. We would just have a one item uh special meeting to approve that meeting the timeline by June 17. So I do know this that it seems to me that the common theme that I have heard from the group and please correct me if I'm wrong is that as we start to talk about the specifics of um the projects being considered the multi-purpose space has been a common people are interested in that that seems to be one. So now I can go back and tell Robert to start addressing a review and comment including the purpose space. The other sections that we talked about
060are the special education space enhancements um part at the middle school and at the high school as well as the food shelf edition as well as CTE enhancements. And I need to expand a little bit about um kind of some of the CTE um enhancements a little bit. Uh Chelsea actually wrote me via via email and requested a tour of those classrooms that made that list and I think that's a great idea. So on the 14th I would recommend that we start our meeting um and and stay tuned because it might actually make sense for us to maybe no we'll end here. We'll have we'll meet here but do a tour of those specific spaces so you get an idea where that's at uh in terms of because um G means nothing to I don't
061know the numbers either, so I know the general areas, but um TJ is willing to kind of show us. And what we'll do is we will we'll have our bus and we'll go on the north side and we'll go right in and check that out and come right back here and check out the spaces so that we can have a a fresh view of what we're talking about and then we can have that conversation kind of whittle down. But like I said, the goal would be on the 14th to have it narrowed down so that Robert can have that review and comment draft ready to go. So, uh we've been building toward it and having discussions about it, but it's going to it's getting to be decision time. We need to kind of do that.
062So, um so I guess I I guess it'd be up to the will of the board right now. Do we want to save that conversation for the 14th, but we can devote the time to that or do you want to have some discussion this evening? Um again, I do know after this I do have we do have to close the session and talk about some negotiation strategies. So, I just want to honor your time. We believe the 14th is enough that can work as well. I think it probably the 14th so that we can go see those faces because if we start discussing it now we really don't see it's and so what I think what's been helpful is I know I a few of you have sent me emails about questions you might have
063working on those um so if you have questions specific to this please don't hesitate well for that matter anytime you have questions please reach out text give me a call or send me an email. Um because I can certainly work with the team to try to find some of the answers to some of those questions. So those questions you'll have answers for that is that would be my plan. If you have questions ahead of time yep specific. Does that make sense? As long as the board is comfortable with that, then we will have a robust conversation on the 14th. Again, Robert said he would be here as well just to answer any questions on the 14th to kind of help us narrow that. But again, just button up against that timeline. I can't stress it
064enough. We just got to keep it moving. So that's where we're at. Okay. So are we starting the work session at 6:30 or are we doing the spaces before that? Well, unfortunately unfortunately we have negotiations that got it. Oh, that's right. I don't necess I want to make sure I honor that time. I knew there was something else before and I couldn't remember. There is there is and that actually is scheduled to end at 6. It's likely that it will be done, but I just want to make sure I honor that time. It is our first meeting in case we I mean, who knows? Maybe we'll settle that night, right, Sue? [Laughter] You got to think positive, people. You have to think positive. So, uh, but that's I just want to honor that time. So,
065till we get to 1:00 a.m. Oh my goodness, that was that was a different group. I was there with you. Yes, I'm back with I was there again. I was there. That was everybody Derek will be taking your place at 2 a.m. Oh my goodness. very selfish tonight. Yes. Yes. But we got it done, people. We got it done. That's the important piece. So, uh, so, so just be bring your folder, be prepared to go look at those spaces so that we can have the conversation. And TJ and I will have bus or we'll figure out transportation so we can go quickly and smoothly. So, that'll be good. Uh, and before I leave this conversation, I need to mention a couple more things on the agenda, actually on the calendar. And that is one. I
066would be remiss if I did not mention the third grade musical because they are rocking as well uh on May 22. So please keep that in mind. Third grade. I'll be there anyway. Yes. Yes. So it's going to be great. It's it actually is it is a fantastic musical. So what is the theme this year, Janna? Underwater. Oh, that's that's big time. So that's that's great. Love to see the enthusiasm on that. Also too, I just wanted to mention that staff appreciation week is May 5th through the 9th. That is staff appreciation. And that concludes my report, Madam Chair, unless of course there are questions. Any questions? Okay. Uh I'll put my little script here. Uh the board will have a closed meeting as permitted by Minnesota statute section 13D.03 3 to discuss the Big
067Lake School's labor negotiation strategies. Um, I need a motion to enter a closed meeting follow the adjournment of the regular meeting. Motion made by Nelson, second by Sixberry. Any other discussion? All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. The closed meeting will commence in five minutes at 7:50 p.m. in the middle school student center. Uh now I need a motion to adjourn a regular meeting. Moved by Sixberry, second by Shiillian. Uh all in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. This meeting is adjourned.