001Uh one after six meeting I call the meeting to order. Certain people are late. 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. Good work. Okay, we're roll call. Jeremiah here. Here. Lori here. Lisa here. Linda's here. President counted four. Um, are there any additions to the agenda, Mr. Pro? Not that I'm aware of. No. Okay. And I will need a motion to accept the adoption of the agenda for the meeting. I'll second ch. Please second. caught up yet? Any discussion? Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Opposed? Same sign. On the consent agenda, is there anything anybody wants to pull off of there? Any questions on anything? Um, Madam Chair,
002I don't necessarily want to pull anything off, but I would uh I noticed going through the invoices that there's a large number of um fact there was five invoices last month for um teachers on call totaling thousands and thousands of dollars. Uh Mr. Folk, could you just talk to that? talk on that a little bit during something as what really is that for and is that an in a reoccurring expense or what? Sure. It's a we contract with them to um to provide substitute teacher services uh for us. It's a it's a venue. It's it's very it's common in schools uh just because of the the shortage of of subs and the availability of subs in our communities. So, um, yeah, it does that that's a contracted service that we pay for and as do
003many other districts. But as you as you look at things, uh particularly a couple things, um when you when you look at at a at a figure like that, one um the the uh season of of flu and sickness uh with our staff and and two, then the the winter would be the the uh really a heavy heavy activity time uh for us when when maybe teachers um who might be coaches leave. I'm not going to put that all on on them, but you know, those things happen. And so that that's what what happens is is that we have absenteeism in the in the teaching ranks um to that and we have to we obviously have to use teachers on call and they use obviously calling in that kind of thing. So, it's a it's
004a a heavy time of the year uh when when substitutes are needed. That's what I can give you. If we have to cover as well. Yeah. If somebody um if a coach has to leave early or something for a game or something, do we have to we have to cover obviously bringing us up then? We try and do that and I know Tammy and Bart might be able to might be able to uh address that a little bit better than I can, but most we try and cover internally when those things situations happen uh with staff who may have free hours or are available. Um that kind of thing. Um sometimes that doesn't always work out the best either in terms of I know our staff they like their free hours to prepare. So um
005but we try and do that as best we can. But if that if if there's no other no other option for us, then yeah, we have to tap teachers on call. All right. Thank you. Yeah, our staff have been very very very kind with filling in during the day during the prep hours for our staff that are gone. And we do I mean Audrey takes care of it in my building obviously um Karen does in her building but um staff have been very kind with stepping in saying we'll fill in during the prep hour when they can. So that does help. Yeah. But you got to ask somebody that or we put in and we've done this before in emergency situations. Put two it's pretty rare but put two or three classes in the auditorium
006classes there. That's pretty rare than that. But just recently accessible. So, thank you. And before we go on, I think Jeremiah is going to explain a little bit why we're all blue. Oh, I get to I wrote it down so I wouldn't uh screw it up too bad. So, as you notice, we're all wearing blue today. So, we wanted to go ahead and take out a little bit of uh of your time today and let you know that April is autism awareness month and the schoolboard thought that wearing blue to support the individuals um with autism and their families would be appreciated. Um so that is kind of why we are wear all wearing blue today. I'd also like to bring up one additional thing that we missed last Mar uh last month. March 21st
007was um World Down Syndrome Day. So, I think it'd be good to acknowledge that as well. Very good. Okay. So, that's why we're all in blue. We all did work it out together. Thank you very much. We actually called each other today. So, any more discussion on the consent agenda? Everybody understand all the things that are in there? Any more discussion? Um if I could just for a second uh take note um just a suggestion going forward to try and work with the the sportsman's club to get that document to the board table uh in advance of the season. So all you know just protocol and that kind of thing in the future. And then and then the Long Prairie Baseball Association too. We we heard from Mitch Johnson last month and and certainly the
008document was sent last week and so that all it all looks appropriate. you had the opportunity to look at it and that kind of thing. So, a matter of fact, I think you have a policy issued uh the policy revision that speaks to it, too. So, um this month. So, um all good. I mean, there's there's protocols they have to follow to do it. So, okay. All those in favor motion second. Um all those are we discussing? In favor say I. I opposed. Motion carries. Um, down to reports of correspondence. I don't see any children in here. Bummer. I could have had a picture with them tonight. Um, guests. We had I think Jod signed up. Yes. Thank you, ma'am. Yep. Jody Ball. Uh just as a point of remembering in February I had submitted
009a bullying complaint and found out that the only people that were appropriate were student to student or anyone else to student. So then I said at the end of the meeting or at the end of my spiel I said I would pursue ethics. So in March I submitted an ethics complaint and it is policy 209 LPGE policy code of ethics. Roman numeral 2A5 says support the decision of the school board even if my position concerning the issue was different. I was the superintendent secretary 1972 through 2002 in this district. Whenever there were personnel issues that required a closed session due to data privacy or negotiations, those discussions were not to have been shared outside of the closed session. I am confident that this is still the case. Therefore, I assume that when the issue of
010removing the superintendent was discussed in closed session, that stated reason was not deemed worthy of a dismissal and the vote taken was no, not to move further with the issue. That is when Roman numeral 2 A5 of the code of ethics should have ended the issue. This action leaves me wondering if the real reason has never been shared with the school board in closed session. However, after that, one board member moved out of town and one board member resigned. This opened two board seats for an for appointment. I am interested to know which board members interviewed the individuals who applied for these two positions. as one of the interviewed and selected had or was having had Tanya Lavine as her daycare provider. In my eyes, that is a conflict of interest and resulted in making
011the voting four to three and enabling the removal of the superintendent unethical. In Roman numeral 2 C2, it says, "Recognize the authority rests with the school board in legal session, not with individual members of the school board except as authorized by law." In Roman numeral numeral 2 F6, it states, "Take no private action that will compromise the school board or administration." Both of these sections were violated when Lenky Lavine Jagger and Wright after a vote by the school board to not communicate with the district's lawyers negotiated a contract with Mr. Frog and his attorney. They then introduced said contract and voted their majority. Then they moved to place our superintendent on special assignment and again voted their majority. When the meeting adjourned, they took his keys and his school computer. Unethical. [Music] Roman numeral 2C2
012and Roman numeral F6 were both violated when member Lavine on her own obtain obtained information resulting in returning the superintendent to special assignment unethical. I believe that the board who received my papers in March needs to move or dis just detail the information of why something hasn't been done. Thank you, Jordy. Um we acknowledge your information and we will take it under adisement. Thank you much. Okay. Um program reports. Anything for the activities report [Music] community. Kelsey, when is the uh uh athletic maintenance? Uh May 21st. He'll be at 6 followed by awards at 7:30ish. Thank you. Yeah. Anything else? You're getting your games in, I think, so far. I know, but not. Okay. Community ed. Anything, Brad? Anything for Brad? Good job on baseball, guys. for sure. That's Haven't heard anything about the 21st
013century yet? No. No, they're telling us the um end of the second, so probably not till that May 15th area. Keep your fingers crossed. Yep. All right. Brad, Brad, I ask you this every year. Are are swimming lessons available anywhere? Just at Centric Air. Um but we How's it going? I'm uh I'm currently down my swimming instructor. She took a different position within Centric Air. So, I'm looking for a uh swim instructor for the summer, but yes, typically we offer them year round. Do does that instructor need to have WSI certification? Uh yes. Okay. But we if they do not, we will pay for it. Okay. And we pay pretty good for that position as well. So, Anything else? Thank you. Technology, anything for Mitchell? Everybody's computer works just fine and dandy, right? Totally. There
014you go. Good. All right, principles. Um, so I have one error I want to acknowledge um in the elementary portion. Um, it's April 30th, not May 30th for the last testing date. So, um, I'm sure the kids would appreciate it if it was May 30th because there's no school that day, but um, and then also Mr. Rude and I were just talking. We want to acknowledge our educators of excellence and um I didn't get that into the board report but on April 30th so next week Wednesday I believe it is um we get to attend in Brainer when we celebrate four of our own and at the elementary it's Katie Leer and Lisa Sherman and at the high schools Chad Hudala and Sandy Terway for educators of excellence. So I really want to um applaud
015them for their great work. So and that's put up with source. Sourceful does that every year. They also do the students of excellence. So we have that. You got enough folks going along or just something else? It's invitation only and we aren't able to even bring a guest. So yeah, it was really good last year. Yeah. So I don't have any idea. Maybe Mr. broke nose, but Barton and I each got one. So, so I'm not sure how that goes, but anyway. Yes. And we had a lot of nominees. We allowed the staff to nominate and we had lots of nominees. So, we had a committee um select our group. So, it was very fun to read all these wonderful things about our staff. We got a good bunch of people out there. You really
016do. Absolutely. Absolutely. Anything else for the principles? Concerts coming up, graduation's coming up, all that good stuff. All right, board members, anything to report going through your phase three? Yep, that was a treat. Phase four starts on Wednesday. Are you doing that virtually? Yes. And that's okay. And they literally take a 5m minute break the whole 3 hours. It's long. I know. Yeah. It It works well. And they go into breakout sessions. Um actually I get more out of those than I do out of the Sure. But yeah, very works very well in my opinion. As long as the internet everywhere keeps working. Good. Anything further board members, Mr. Superintendent? Here we go. You've got the enrollment report uh on the screen and of course it was in your packet as well. Um the uh
017the overall which was good news and and I I can you know kind of uh supported. I could tell things were happening when when uh a couple weeks ago when Tammy shot me in Texas and said we went over to 500 a day uh in the elementary and and you can sense then that things were happening and and so as as you can tell then by by the a first column of the the April 2025 um run through the month of March as compared to uh 962 the previous month that was K9. Um, so that's that's pretty good. Um, we we're running very close then in terms of an ADM to that 95357 uh the ending ADM for the for the 1st of April versus 95148. Um, again uh as you will recall then the
018fiscal 24 of June 30th 20 June 30th 2024 number was 999.6 six. So, and and as you look then that one that came from 951 almost at the the time as we're looking at things over the years. So, what happens is is that extended time and then and then early childhood those numbers come in and we'll see those about the first real run about the middle of June. So, that'll be our first drop and then we're going to get other things to come in. But while that uh um again a high number like that is also on the back end which doesn't which doesn't doesn't help your average as in daily membership average but uh we're close and and so that's a that's a good sign. Hopefully the the extended time and the early childhood
019bring bring some numbers. So that's a good thing. So that's month over month uh and then year over year. So, yeah, we're a little bit uh like I said, we're close that 953 versus 958 this time a year ago. Again, we we uh we wrote the budget um we wrote the budget at 982, a budget revision that the board approved March 982. So they can extend those again those extended extended time um ADMs have to you know they have to come through and and by virtue of what happened last year over year uh we're we're on to this one for sure that will at least meet budget but maybe a little bit over too. So that's where that stands. Wasn't it 980? Was that with county EHS or not? Uh that was an estimate. Yeah.
020EHS. So we could be well over that then by then. We It looks It looks promising. We look Yeah, that's we're we always budget enrollment conservatively and so this looks pretty stable. Um then we had the food service. Again, we we always talk about food service. I give you these numbers on occasion just because uh we do run a we do run a uh million-dollar business food service a million-doll operation and as we look at at things current year um over last year um then we're sitting at as we ran through meals both years through March 31 we're running about 4600 meals ahead of where things were at this time of year ago. So that's pretty good. Um and and you look at the 24 uh 23 24 school year we served uh in March
021we served 27,000 meals and um that this as compared to this year when we served about 30,000. So um things looking pretty pretty uh pretty good that way. wanted to spend a little time here talking about some other pertinent issues in the district as it relates to the superintendence report. Um I'll uh I'll get into um item number I'm going to skip to item number five because that's quicker. I think I uh had written to you that everything as of last week or you know we were told by site logic that they really didn't want anybody uh in the in the high school as part of the HVAC project. So, we spent a great part of the last week uh trying to devise how we were going to program uh for everything both uh from
022both the high school and the elementary here in the elementary building. It looks like we've got everything situated. Um with one one little piece left to work on um and then uh but we should be good to go. But they did not really care to have anybody in the building, so we won't. Um, so just know that everything will be over here this summer uh while the high school gets uh gets its new uh heat pubs and HVAC system put in place. Um the um uh along with that then the the uh legislature and potential impact on on ISD 2753. uh two factors. One um Linda has already already questioned um this evening uh will be the the status of of the uh of the 21st century grant. That's a that that represents uh over
023$300,000 in programming revenue uh for us. Uh that if it it doesn't u uh come to fruition uh because uh why wouldn't it? um because uh they have reduced it significantly uh at the federal level. So uh when the amount the pot of available dollars for grant recipients is reduced that in turn means then that the likelihood for anyone or the chance for anyone to receive the grant is significantly reduced. So what do we do? Well, um, basically what's happened is is that programming, uh, by way of grant dollars then are, uh, are are basically in and out. Okay. So, those are programs that are funded, those all those revenue dollars are used in the form of programming and and uh, so uh, those will be things that we won't be able to do. We
024just got done talking about um we just got done talking about the finance committee uh about the activity bus, you know, that's a thing that's funded by 21st century grant. That's a nice thing for our community. Uh that won't be there because there won't be those dollars to support that program. Um so that's just one of many many things that that that program has been able to support throughout the year. So that's one. And so um what what we know then in light of what what Mr. Evansson just said that likely around miday um that's one piece. Um the second piece is the compensatory revenue stream that we typically receive um or we've received annually for the past probably about 25 years. It's just been a nice source of revenue based on the number of
025children receiving free or reduced price lunches. Um right now that's and I've talked about that before. Tonight I'm going to get into the specifics about what the impact is. Is that um that if in fact they would stay on par with what the the legislation currently in place says. That would be if it were to stay in place and the legislature not taking any action at all to address it based upon what they did two years ago, it would be a loss of about $800,000. Okay. Um that's significant. And again, what that is is that um what that is is that we are uh we have tagged certain positions to that revenue stream. And so if that does not happen um then we we go after we have to reduce those positions. Um so um
026if in fact the legislature now there are three stools in the legislature right the governor the senate and the three-legged stool the governor the senate and the house um the governor and its budget and his supplemental budget um released after the February forecast has what's called a hold harmless which would mean that the the the funding levels uh in compensatory would basically generally stay the same. That's not the case with us. Okay. While better um we would have to reduce by under a hold harmless provision uh we would have to reduce by about $160,000. Uh not great but manageable. Okay. So we sit and we watch and again that's in the governor's supplemental budget. We understand that that is written into the Senate's plan, but not the House. So, there's two legs of the three-legged
027stool that have a hold harmless provision in it that that uh um would help. But that holdless would be for a year. And at that time then we if that were to go into place, we would have time to make the adjustments. We may not get that if they don't get if things remain on track and things remain in statute as they are. So um that too then as we talk about when um the legislature has to convene or has to uh adjourn sorry has to adjourn by May 19th and and that is that is u uh we're we're getting signs that they they are very optimistic about being done as a matter of fact because they just want to they they they just there's there's they have the tie in the house. Um they
028they don't feel like they're going to take on major issues. So May 19th, so what uh so what you have then is about potentially on the high side $1.2 2 million in program adjustments that we'll have to make [Music] um coming available or or coming to knowledge um around May 20th. We've opted to wait as opposed to developing a plan and calling people in at this point in time. we've opted to wait uh over the last few months. We're getting close here where we're going to have to start developing that plan. Um obviously it's very targeted. What I mean by targeted is if you look at the the 21st century grant, it's this right? It's these programs and services. If you look at compensatory revenue stream, these are these positions. And so that's what I
029mean by it's it's there's there's um sometimes when you get caught into having to make cost containment maneuvers and and movements, you're thinking about this and we'll we'll create what we we've got well we can get savings over here and we can get savings over here. These are very targeted and and so um we'll start working on that. We didn't want to do that over the course of January, February to to to have something happen that that wouldn't happen. But I think we're getting close now where we're going to have to start holding conversations and developing a more strategic plan where those containment cost containments are concerned. So that's what we're going to be working on over the next month. Um and then um we'll likely bring that to the table here, you know, in
030May. Are there dates we have to have do things on? That that's a good question. Yeah. Um if if there are um teaching positions involved here, uh teaching positions, um everything has to be completed by uh July 1. July 1. So other positions aren't aren't necessarily in that in that window. So yeah, I know it is. It's too bad. Again, uh um we'll we'll uh see what happens. They we uh by percentage that compensatory revenue if it were at the $800,000 level would be one of the by percentage would be one of the largest in the state. You aren't over overly optimistic, are you? Um I am. I I think we'll be at that that hold harmless level. You still have to make some decisions. I think we are I think we'll be there. It's
031so that that is so that that would be what that would do to both buildings in terms of support and and our student body uh needs that support. Um it would be it would be tough. It'd be a tough thing, but I I am I'm optimistic that that whole harmless will pass. That's the other reason too kind of meeting. Um, so we'll probably have to buckle up for next year. Yep. I I would say maybe a year to see how it goes. Yeah. Exactly. So, um, the other thing that we talked about, and while I move on to the other thing that we talked about doing is the the, uh, the it's in your packet as well, we'll close that packet was the, uh, the work that the buildings and grounds committee has been doing,
032um, since probably December maybe. um developing a uh just the capital outlay plan and and all the things that uh you folks have been doing even leading up to this year um regarding um track surfacing in the LTFM plan. Um we have Jody Jody Zespa from Ellers's here tonight working on a turf installation. um you have the flashers at Harmony Park. All of those things have come to the table and and you've approved that those those kinds of things in advance. So we this was a document we put together uh as part of the committee and by all means feel free and Tom and uh and Lisa and Tanya that have been been a part of that uh that list development um over the over the past we we opted to basically show it uh
033and present it tonight or in the superintendent report because it it remains a work in progress and and and it really does, but it gives you an idea of all the things that you as a board even some of these things you've approved already. Um a new cooler door here in the elementary, right? um uh and and that kind of thing was here last month. But all of these things have been basically approved and and not all of them have been approved, but you can kind of see there's a lot of work here and and it's been a fun part of the process to go through um as as we lay everything on the table. People have to understand too that it's unfortunate why we sit and we you know in the previous topic in
034my report we talk about reductions in cost containments and yet at the same token we're talking about doing these types of projects. They're different funding streams and people have to remember that that um that they come from different pots of money and you can basically see um we've identified those um we've identified those on on the on the the uh screen. Um so um the other thing is is that we also have an obligation to take take care of of our our facilities and and that that's part of our our uh responsibility too. So um anyway I don't know u members of the committee if you wanted to add anything to that. I don't know. Uh we like I said we left it in the um we left it in the uh uh superintendent report
035not necessarily for action but for um review anything to add tonight questions on One of the one of the there's a couple different things that are that are happening that again as I talk about things being fluid. Um we we've learned that um we've learned that the as you look at the very bottom um the auditorium lighting we had some issues uh might have been around concert time in the winter might have been a little bit after when we had some lighting issues that uh weren't very cooperative. You're again you're dealing with a system that's original, you know, and so we got estimates in that regard. A four-phase estimate, you know, and you can see that uh those kinds of those kinds of uh theater type situations are uh spending. Uh there's about uh what
036we got 110 uh 210 about 280,000 of dollars worth of an investment um just in in lighting. and and obviously things are ar are are are not cheap anymore. Um and then and then the other piece would be doors. Uh we we looked at doors that the the interior uh the interior entrance door here um and the exterior over at the high school and doing that with the screening that got to be a little that came a little uh one $18,000 down here at the corner. uh about $80,000 over at the high school. Uh so we start thinking about how do we plan that out in light of the screening that was going to take place. We were talking about now the Russ and and uh Dave and myself talked about do we just paint
037down here? Get an auto body person because I've done that before and it looks very nice instead of you know you know instead of $18,000 do you on doors like that? Still pretty good doors. They're just old. But deep paint I know. So we're gonna something like that too. But I don't know. We've got decisions to make there. But again, they were it remains in flux. That's all I thinking on that one, huh? Yeah. board highlights. Anybody go anywhere or do anything fun and All right. Um, unfinished business. I think we're looking at next year's school calendar 256. Any more opinions, Mr. Pro? Um, not so much. Um again uh minimal change uh as it relates to the running a calendar that was similar this year. Um obviously absent the all of the the readac
038training and that kind of thing. Um I think the big thing you look at is a a first start date of Tuesday September 2nd which is uh as we talked last month the earliest it could possibly be. So that that typically then buys a school uh some extra days, you know, when it come falls that early. Um we we did look then we we opted to um take a look at as you see Monday, December 22nd and Tuesday, December 23rd. Uh we had that issue this year only it was a Monday uh December uh 22nd, right? Was it 23rd? and we made that adjustment, right? You know, we got we kind of got a relative of that right now. Um but we opted to go that way with probably an early early out um on
039that date on the 23rd. So um for reasons of again buying us a little bit of time that you could perhaps uh want to get out before the first accurate, which I think is is important. So, um, other than that, um, I don't have any any particular highlights, uh, to share. I would recommend, um, going forward in the future, um, maybe getting into, uh, some type of, uh, collective bargaining uh, situation with the with the teaching staff about maybe trying to Mont Prairie Grey Eagles has a large calendar. It's big. um meaning the number of days and what you can do there is you can lengthen the school day maybe uh to buy down days and and do that because invariably um invariably the district is flirting with June and if you're okay with that
040that's fine but it just seems to me that that's a long that's a long year especially when you take a look there's not a lot of uh there's not a lot of big breaks in there. So, you know, I'd think about that um in the future just to cuz you're trading out minutes during the day for days at the end and and I know that value maybe isn't there, but by the same token, um we know what happens after Memorial Day, right? Lots of focus and learning. What's that? A lot of focus and learning. Yeah. I I mean and and it's it's not just here. It's it's everywhere. It's everywhere. It's it's a hard thing to come back after Memorial Day. Do we um if construction runs live or anything like that, do we have
041any backup plans? Any contingencies? I'd like to say we do, but I can't say that we do. Okay. How did the survey, the parent survey that went out, how was that like? What was the response? Was it a nice response? Good feedback? Um I would u I would defer that to Mr. Ludix and I did not look at any of the responses from the parents. Okay. We had about 30 responses. The Spanish version didn't have any responses. One was done in Spanish. We do have a calendar version written up in Spanish. Thanks to Guad's help. Um but a lot of a lot of feedback kind of want to be more consistent with the traditional calendar. People they want to do planned breaks and things like that. Everybody would like a spring break. Um it's a
042difficult number of days as Mr. broke set and people like to be out by June. They would like a twoe Christmas break, but it goes back to like trying to make it work mathematically. Any more discussion on that one? And I believe we have to approve that. Yes. Correct. Yeah. Are you ready? Motion. I'll make a motion to approve it. I'll second it. Motion and a second. Any more discussion, questions? Any more discussion? Any more discussion? All those in favor say I. Opposed? Motion carries. All righty. I can get my computer to move there. We have We're on the donations part a lot. So bear with me. Art Electrical Service, they have $250 for the color run. Brago Bertram Lions, $1,000 color run. Bragel Electrics, $250 color run. Comfort Chiropractic, $100 for the color run.
043Bridheld Group, $100 for the color run. Minnesota National Agency, $50 color run. Minnesota National Bank, $50 color run. DND Auto Repairs LLC, $100 color run. Trinity Lutheran Church, Lady Circle, $100 color run. Step $100 color run. Cliff and Karen Adele, $40 for the dollars for scholars in memory of Stan Horton. Long Prairie Lions, $2,000 postp prom Advantage Insurance Agency, $50 color run. Black Bowed Giving Fund, $500 color run. Central Minnesota realy in Long Prairie, $100 color run. Fleet Supply of Long Prairie, $100 color run. Northstar Plumbing and Heating and Air Conditioning LLC, $100 color run. Magnify Financial, $100 color run. Long Prairie Sanitation, $100 color run. Long Prairie Packing, I think it's $50 color run. Long Prairie Tarp Incorporated, $300 color run. Jenkins Iron and Steel, $250 color run. DoubleR Saloon, $100 color run. East
044West Realy of Long Prairie on the color run $100. Trailer Center Hill $500 color run. Kidco Farms Processing $250 color runs anonymous donor of Central Minnesota Community Foundation $5,000 dollars for scholars Ross Nesbbit agency or cutter insurance is $50 post prom American Legion Post 12 of Long Prairie $100 for school patrol flags and vests long prairie Rotary Club $50 for scholars for the Stan Hartness Long Prairie Rotary Club, $100 for the activities department banquet. Sterns Electric, $200 postp prom. Cathedral Press, $100 postp prom. Northstar Plumbing and Heating, $100 postp prom. Vanguard Insurance Services, $100 postp prom. John Whis Ford, $50 postp prom, $25 postp prom. James and Katherine Laroo, $75 postp prom. Pleasure Land Incorporated, $75 postp prom. Cathedral Press, $50. Elementary color run. Enterprise CP LLC, $500 color run. Long Prairie Rotary Club, $250
045color run. Hormell financial services from Austin, $250 color run. Daybreak Foods, $100 color run. Art Johnson Construction, $100 color run. New Image Salon, Val Miller, $100 color run. Bits Plumbing and Heating Services, $100 color run. Tanya Lavine, $100 color run. Or no, yeah, color run. And the t-shirts for the kids. American Legion Post 12, $500 color run. Clos United Methodist Church, $400 color run. Uh, Countryside Restaurant, $100, Color Run. Dockland's $250 color run. Lakeland Dental, $250 color run. Long Prairie Lumber, $250 color run. Mid Central National Bank, $100 color run. Prairie Family Dental, $250. Elementary color run. Felling Trailer gave six tons of steel worth $6,000 to the welding class. Thank you very much. Sell no law office gave $500 for the color run. Phillips Reparables and Collision, $500 color run. Gary Ridge, $1,000 color
046run. Gerald and Jan Ruda in memory of Deb Adam, $25 for the dollars for scholars. CTC Baxter gave a $15 Dairy Queen gift card and a $15 Subway gift card post. CTC from Brainer gave $250 for the color run. Peace United Church, Women of Peace, $50 for the color run. Central Minnesota White Tales, $500 for the track team. Track team, not track. Uh Tammy gave $100 to sponsor a preschooler. Lisa Day, $90 for sponsor preschooler. Linda Goldman, 500. $100 for a preschooler. Um Viva Tabakco $100 for the elementary color run. Viva Bar, $50 for the color run, and Toliffson Photography, Amy Tolson, $68,260 from the Spring Photo Commission for the Elementary. Thank you very kindly for all of that. That was just wonderful. So, I would need a motion to accept those. So, moved, Tom.
047I'll second it, Jeremiah. Any further discussion? I don't want to read them again, but I will if you want me to. Any more discussion? Any more discussion? All those in favor? I oppose. Wonderful. Thank you very kindly. Um, so now I believe that's going to be Joey this part. Correct. All right. We'll go live. Okay. Good evening. So, we've talked about the financing for the turf field a few different times. most recently was at the February board meeting where we provided some updated estimates related to the financial schedules. So, we took bids on the financing last Thursday morning and have the results to share with you. So, you'll see a summary of the results. We did receive two bids. I think I mentioned that this is not general obligation debt like your bonds that you
048issue. So these are certificates of participation which are similar to bonds but they don't have that uh full faith and tax um ability backing it up. So the board always has the option of not appropriating funds for this lease purchase financing on an annual basis. That's required by law. So then the um underlying credit is a little bit more risky from an investor's perspective and so we generally don't get as many biders and we get a little bit higher interest rate. We um the rate that we received however though was a 4.24%. And the board had approved a parameter um allowing the district to accept the bid if it was 5% or less. So, we did come under that amount and then Chuck and uh Doug signed the proposal form on behalf of the district
049after we re received the bids last Thursday. So, tonight you'll have a ratifying resolution to approve on behalf of uh of the the district and the financing. So, underneath I think we'll go back up. Doug, I'll just highlight a little bit. We had planned in February to issue about 1,125,000 for the certificates. we ended up issuing uh 1,275 for two reasons. One is that um we expected to get a little bit higher premium which is an amount that the underwriter provides above the par amount and then we did get updated project cost estimates hot off the press on Monday, April 14th. So once we received those estimates, we did adjust the financing accordingly so that you'll have sufficient funds to cover the project and Design Tree provided those to us. So again, um if you'll
050scroll down now, um the true interest cost of 4.24% is just under the 4.25% that we were estimating back in February. Rates have been very volatile. Markets have been very volatile. So to get this close, we were thrilled. Um so we we were hoping that we were going to get under the 5%, but we were glad to get really close to that estimate that we had back in February. And then uh if you'll scroll to the next page, we will close on the financing, the lease purchase financing or the certificates on May 15th. So that's when you'll have your funds. And again, the uh proposal form was already accepted on behalf of the district. And so tonight, you'll have a ratifying resolution to just put your stamp of approval on that. So for Tom and
051Jeremiah and and Tanya, so we talked about in the finance committee that so the the funds will drop in on the 15th on the 15th of May. So that's we talked a little bit about we're having costs now. So now we're now the money is coming in to address those costs. Uh which will be which will drop in the district coffers on the 15th of May. Sorry about that. Nope. Totally fine. So then we'll go through the attachments. The first attachment is the bid tab with the two bids that we received. The low bidder was Bar out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. And again, their true interest rate was about 4.24%. And then Northland Securities out of Minneapolis provided the other bid at about 4.4%. So both of those were within the parameter that the board had
052established. The next page um the next two pages are updated financing schedule. So you've seen these from us a few different times. again most recently on February 24th. This now shows the par amount at 1,ion275. And then importantly, that deposit to the construction fund is higher now to make sure that we cover the um updated project cost estimates for the for completion of the project. So the 1,231 is just slightly above the number that was provided by Design Tree. We issue certificates just like bonds in $5,000 $5,000 amounts. So that's as close as we could get to the estimate that they provided to us on April 14th. The next is the payment schedule then and it is uh just under 10 years. So uh the first property tax levy to cover the payments that will
053be due in fiscal year 2526 were included on your levy for taxes payable 25. So this is one of the items that we talked about when we were talking about your levy for taxes payable 25. So that's included. um we included it at around 145,000 roughly. So this is just a little bit above that and you will get an adjustment for that in the future. Um so the and so MDE knew it was an estimate and you'll be able to uh get that adjustment um in a in a later cycle and going forward then they'll use the amounts that are included on this schedule. So next are the rating reports. the district went through the rating process again and thanks to Doug and Sherry for participating in that and providing lots of information and helping
054out and answering questions and it's always a a lot to go through. So after they finished up their process, the issue two reports, the first one that Doug is going through now is the press release and this shows that they're affirming your double A3 issuer rating, which is a nice high rating. because of the uh non-appropriation, they do um they do notch the certificates of participation or lease purchase financing one notch down at a single A1, which is still a nice high rating for school districts in the state of Minnesota. And you'll see that in that second paragraph there, the ratings were affirmed at double A3 because of the district's consistently strong reserves balanced against it some balanced against its somewhat limited local economy. So then there's uh details associated with their rating rationale and
055then there's lots of kind of boilerplate disclosures. So then if you'll move to at the bottom it should say attachments page 11 that is the second report that was issued by Moody's and this is your detailed credit opinion. So most often when we're proceeding with your financing you do get these same two reports from Moody's. So, it's going to be down to page 11 at the bottom. This is lots of disclosures that they provide to us. Couple more. There we go. So, here's your detailed credit opinion. Again, gives a summary of the ratings that they affirmed and assigned. And I'll just point out the credit strengths. Again, consistently strong financial performance with improving reserves, positive enrollment trend. You talked about that earlier tonight. credit challenges, somewhat limited local economy, concentrated in agriculture and meat packing,
056small enrollment and operating size compared to higher rated peers. So, as you look through the details then of the credit opinion, I'll point out a couple of things. There's a chart on the next page that gives some key indicators and compares you to other um double A rated uh entities across the nation. So, it kind of gives a history of where you're at on some of these um metrics that they take a look at. And then they go through after this, they'll go through some more detailed credit information. And finally, as you scroll through some of their charts and graphs on enrollment and fund balance and cash, um they have some um environmental, social, and governance considerations after that section. And then ultimately after this page, you'll get to a page that they call their
057scorecard. And they took some time to go through the different factors and waitings that they a little bit further down. Doug, getting close. There we go. Now, here's the scorecard, and it shows you the different factors that they're taking a look at as part of their rating methodology, the different weights that they assign, and then ultimately they get to a scorecard indicated outcome, which is actually a notch higher than what they assign. So, double A2 is what the scorecard indicates, and then after they finished up their committee process, just like they have in the past, they've assigned a double A3. And you've had that in place for a little while. You were an A1 for a number of years and then got an upgrade not too long ago. So nice to see that because then
058when you sold the certificates um you were able to sell those with that A1 rating which which was helpful to get a couple great bids and lower interest rates. So that is everything. Again the proposal form's been signed. Um you locked into the rate. So that ratifying resolution is what you'll be considering now at the meeting this evening. happy to answer any questions that you might have related to any of the details. Any questions for Jody? So, what is the exact dollar amount that you're going to put in our bank? So, that's um exact 1,231436 and 80. Okay. 123. So that's on the deposit to the construction fund on that page. Y and that's very close to that new updated estimate I think was that about 1,ion228 or something if I recall. So, so what'll
059happen then is um the levy then the board took action in December to levy at um the $145 roughly thousand level. Okay. So that will go in that continues to go in place. Um so the the actual uh interest and principal payment will come in at about 162 if I remember saying that right. So what'll happen is you have authority from the department to recapture that $17,000 in pay uh in in this next cycle for pay 26. Mhm. That will fall in the 2627 school year. And then and then what'll happen is is that the the adjusted um levy you will adj you will um increase as opposed to what we thought would be about $140,000 will now be about $160,000 annually for that remaining 9 years. Correct. That's how that'll work. So you won't
060have to make an adjustment. The you won't have to take action on the $17,000 because that'll be just an automatic the department will do that for you. But we'll and then but actually the department will put we'll get the the amtoriization schedule. So that'll all be in the levy data sheets when they come out in September. So that's all taken care of and and it's all there. But yeah, there was an adjustment and and you're every everything is volatile right now to be able to say that things were going to lock be locked and loaded. We could have in October when we were talking about this. Quite honestly, you could have probably said it in November. You can't say that now. Construction market, bond market, anything. It's it's uh very difficult to predict. So, it's
061it's just what happened. And but honestly, even getting getting 4.25, that's a pretty good interest rate. Yeah, we were very happy with that. Yes. We really weren't sure what we're going to get. So, yeah, we're happy to get those rates for sure, but it helps that you're in great financial condition, of course, as a district. That definitely is helpful to getting that rate. Absolutely. Mhm. Is there a copy of that resolution we need to ensure in this package? Yes, I think. Yes. Yes. Put the one 75 on there. Should be a little description of it in bold. Put about halfway. General certificate of the district. No. Was it this one? look like signature pages 1275 this one that's nope on top of the top certificate of participation that one this one and I don't know
062say about the middle of the next page perhaps is where the description is oh right at the top yep so that um at the top of The second page, Linda, is the description of the resolution. And that's I think generally that's how you guys introduce the motion to approve the resolution and kind of read that amount in bold that language in bold on the second page. Right under your clip on the Yeah, on that second page out loud. Just read the part in bold if you want to. You don't have to read the whole thing. I think someone will say they're right. I just want the whole board to approve, right? And Doug, I've already signed their name on the line. Just make the motion then. Yeah, it's just read that right there. Yeah. Um,
063I make a motion that we basically approve this bonding issue here and I'm not going to read it. Resolution ratifying the Yes. Okay, I'll second it. The ratifying resolution, I think, is all you need to. Yeah. I had a motion in a second. Any more questions for Jody or any further discussion on this? Any further discussion? Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you very much, Joanie. Thank you. Yes, we are very happy with the results. So, and thanks again to Sherry and Doug for all of their work and Daniel last fall who kicked it all off. So, all righty. And then you want to talk about Oh, yeah. the other things first. You want me to come back up? Okay. So, um while I'm here, we thought
064we should talk about the um operating referendum and the opportunity for you to board renew the authority that's going to be expiring. You have two different authorities. So, we'll go through some of those details, but the legislature in 2023 has provided the opportunity for boards to renew expiring authority on a one-time basis for the same term that was put in place by your voters. So, that's something that school districts have been lobbying the legislature for for many, many, many years. And finally, they did approve that ability in 2023. So, we'll go through some of those details, and you're in the window now of time when the board could take action on that. So, just something to think about and then I'll give you a copy of what the uh resolution would uh look like if
065you decide that you want to move forward with that prior to there is a deadline in place when you'd have to take that action. And I know that you have the paper copy. It looks like this. Yeah, perfect. All right. So, first of all, we are just providing background information on the operating referendum. So, that is a November election ballot question that is on a per pupil basis. And um there is a cap on the authority, but there's not a cap for sparity districts. You don't fit into that category, but the cap is roughly $2,200. And you can uh generate additional general education revenue with that voter approved authority. It can be a combination of local property taxes and state aid. The annual levy is a maximum length of 10 years. Um taxes are spread
066on referendum market value. So, um, we've talked about the fact that school districts are a little more complicated than other governmental entities and taxing jurisdictions because you have two different tax bases that your taxes are spread on. These taxes for an operating referendum are spread on what's called referendum market value. So, everybody basically pays at the same rate. Um, whether you own a home or a commercial business or an apartment. However, egg properties are exempt except for the house garage of 1 acre. So this is the when you provide this question to the voters generally the farmers are in support of it because not the full value of their land is taxed just uh the house garage and one acre seasonal wreck is completely exempt. They do not pay anything toward operating referendums. And Governor
067Jesse Ventura put that in place because when he was in office, he had a uh cabin in a district that was voting and he didn't think if he couldn't cast his vote there, he didn't think he should have to pay the taxes on it. So, it's been exempt ever since that point in time. The legislature has been talking about perhaps bringing some of that property back into the tax base for referendum market value. So, we'll see what happens. Um the revenue that you raise through an operating referendum is very flexible for use. You can use it for any operating or capital expenses. Almost all districts use it for salaries and benefits. And this is a picture of your current um operating referendum authority. So you have two authorities in place that have been approved by
068the voters. Um uh there's one that's about $29 and that's expiring. You can see when the number goes down to the 24924 um for taxes payable 27 fiscal year 28 that is no longer in place. So it expires after fiscal year 27. The ability to board renew that authority that will be expiring started last July and ends June 15th of 2026. So you're kind of right about in the middle of that window. And then your remaining authority at the 24924 is in place through taxes payable 2032 fiscal year 2033. And you'll have a window to be able to board renew that starting July 1st of 2030 and ending June 15th of 2032. The total of those two authorities um provide about $500,000 to your budget each year. So these are important sources of revenue. Next,
069uh, we'll take a look at the chart, and you've seen this, I think, from us many times, showing the, uh, formula allowance that's in place. That's the orange dotted line. We've updated this now to include that 2.74% that, uh, Doug had on his board um, document earlier in his superintendent report. So, um, with that 2.74%, that gap has widened. So if the formula allowance and general education formula allowance provides about 70% of the revenue for your general fund budget, if that formula allowance had kept pace with inflation, you can see that blue line is what you'd be receiving from the state per pupil. Um so now the gap is almost $1,500. It's $1,470 that were short as compared to the inflation adjusted amount. So that is the reason that what that the majority of school
070districts have this operating referendum authority in place because you aren't um able to keep up with the cost with the formula allowance that's provided by the state. So the local um voters fortunately have approved some additional authority for you. Other funding sources have not kept pace with inflation or cost of providing services either. So again, the only option for districts to bridge that funding gap are to cut budgets or request operating referendum or capital project levy revenue authority from voters and most districts have done both. So a little bit about your uh authority that is going to be expiring. So you can renew it up to the same authority in length on a one-time basis. And the time frame again for your renewal is uh started last July and goes through June 15th of 2026.
071the original authority of $29.24 was approved for a 10-year term. When you do decide you want to renew, you must allow for public comment. So, kind of similar to your truth and taxation hearing, most districts who have been renewing do allow for public comment at the beginning of the meeting. They'll discuss it and either approve the resolution that same night or the following meeting. So, whatever process feels most comfortable to you is uh the way that you can proceed now going forward. And after the board approves a resolution, then it gets submitted to MDE into your three counties. So, a little bit. Yeah. And would others um provide a model resolution? We I have that tonight. Good deal. So, then I think this next chart is very interesting. We weren't sure what districts would really
072do um with this authority. They've been asking for it forever. Um, so when the legislation was first approved in 2023, there were 13 school districts that had authorities that would be expiring. They had that very short window of time to make their decision. So they quickly had to decide what they wanted to do. You can see that time frame for them to renew was from after the legislature journed May 25th to June 15th. So very quickly they had to decide what they wanted to do with their authority. All 13 of those districts chose to board renew. In the next kind of cohort, um, fiscal year 25, there were 16 authorities. 15 of those were board renewed and West Central area schools decided to go out to their voters. And you'll see there's a little footnote
073at the bottom of the chart. They didn't have they only had a 5-year term and they didn't have inflation. So, they didn't want to waste their one they didn't want to play their one card on this um authority when they only had a 5-year term. So they asked their voters to approve a 10-year term with inflation. So now effectively they got a 20-year operating referendum. So that was pretty smart on their behalf to be able to do that and to get the public to understand that and approve it. So the next group is fiscal year 26 expiring and 46 of those districts have authorities. 38 have already board renewed and eight are in process. And then you're in that bottom line there. So, um, already nine of the 20 districts that have authority that's going
074to be expiring in the same window of time as you have taken action to board redo. So, I will give you a copy of what the resolution looks like so you can take a look at it and pass it down that way and know what you'll be um what you'll be taking action on. And then eventually, if you choose to move forward with board renewal, this resolution would just need to be approved again prior to that uh June 15th, 2026 date. Generally, I would say the sooner the better because I think Sher would appreciate knowing if this money is going to be available. The sooner that she knows, the better, you know, she can make the better decisions she can make about budget planning, right? Because if you can't count on, you saw that this
075represents about $500,000 of your budget between the two authorities. So both of them are giving you a pretty substantial revenue. Would there make any sense if we would want to raise that amount? You can certainly take Yeah, you can do that at any point in time, right? To be a voted approved that would then have to go to the voters. Yep. This Jody, this doesn't have to go to the voters. Is that right? No, because the legislature passed passed it in 2023. One time. One time. Um I mean how is it obviously it's I mean the voters have how do they handle that? I mean all of a sudden they we levy without even asking for their approval. Well you have to you have to allow for public comment. So if they don't think Yeah.
076If they don't think that that's in the best interest of the district to continue these funds for the district then they will come and let you know. I'm sure they will and then you need to they don't have any say in it ultimately right I mean they can say all they want but the board makes that decision is this money important to your budget and do you think you know you should take advantage of this opportunity that districts have been asking the legislature to give you for many years because the one thing that is important to remember is that of all of the of all of the operating referendum authorities where districts have requested renewal. Only one in the last I don't know how many years has not been approved. Voters have voters have approved
077these overwhelmingly when it's a renewal and it's expensive to run an election. So that was the reason that all the districts said, "Hey, just give us a one-time renewal by board action. the voters are supporting these um renewals overwhelmingly and it's expensive to run elections. So um so I think I think there was maybe a request for allowing it to go on indefinitely and the legislature said we'll give you the one-time board renewal. Yeah. The the the decision of the legislature to do that was based on data. Yes. Wasn't based on you know u the pressure of the lobby. It was based on data. The number of, like Jody said, the number of school districts successful at asking for the same amount was unbelievable. I mean, the the high 90 percentile. Yeah. Well, there's only
078one that didn't pass and then in the in the distant past. So, over all those years, there's only one that didn't get approved by the voters as a renewal. And um importantly in the language on the ballot question when you approve when you're renewing an expiring authority you don't have to say this will increase your taxes in big bold capital letters. You can say you're you're voting to renew an authority that's scheduled to expire. So you know people see that language they're like okay well it's not going to change my taxes. I mean I've approved it. The district is you know making good use of the money. Whatever right? I mean, as they think through their what they're going to vote on on that ballot, then it's a little bit uh less scary when they
079don't see that language about increasing taxes. So, that language has been in place for a while. Why the deadline is is that just for us or is that for everybody? That's for everybody. And that's important because the levy process, the Minnesota Department of Education needs to know if they should be continuing that on your levy or if they should stop it. Good job. Mhm. So they that's to meet their deadlines for the levy process because they're starting all of that up the summer [Music] before. But yes, this has been a, you know, the legislaturator has studied this for many years and studied all the data and finally did make the decision to allow it with those caveats. You know, one-time basis, public comments required before the board makes the decision. So, those are some of
080the the stipulations that they included in the legislation, but we have not been seeing people a lot of people showing up when during the public comment for for these, you know, and again, I think it's because they generally support it if it's just continuing their taxes at the same level. So, something that's available to you and you have some time. We just thought while you're in the window, we'd give you some time to think about it. Well, it just it just seems like it just sounds like a I mean, a no-brainer in in a way, but yeah. And you do have the two different authorities, right? So um um you'll have the ability to think about it again when the next um portion is expiring. So and who knows where for that one. So there
081would be two two Mhm. there's two different times because of the time that they were approved by the voters and when they expire. Yeah. But so far it's been, you know, overwhelmingly supported by the uh the local boards have taken action to board renew. Like I said, West Central is the one anomaly and they talked about it a lot. Um but they just thought their five year I mean that five years goes by so fast, right? Their 5-year term came up and they said, gosh, we would rather have a longer term and we'd really like to have inflation. So, they took a chance and they worked really hard on communicating to their voters and the voters supported it. So, now they will have the ability, like I said, to after the end of their 10-year
082term renew. So, that's they're in a lot better position now with that. And then, to be clear, the 10-year window uh kicks in at the at the close of the existing existing authority. That's correct. Not when you take action. Not when you take action. So, if you take action a little earlier, that just helps for your long-term planning and your budgeting, right? Exactly. Okay. Y Mhm. But doesn't start the clock ticking any earlier. Good deal. Y So, we could do it tonight if we wanted to. No, because you need to list public comment. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Right. Yep. Don't go crazy on that yet. Yeah. Yeah. So, you do need to allow for public comment. And I think you know at least talking about it tonight you know kind of going on record that
083it's available to you right and then I would say make sure you know when however you distribute your um your board agenda so that people you know so you don't have to publish anything there's not a requirement to publish anything but you do need to list it as an item on the agenda. So again, you have time. So it might make sense to list public comment, maybe kind of talk through some of the information again and then at that following meeting perhaps. I mean, since you have time, right? Can you approve it on the same night as the You can Mhm. So whatever whatever time frame feels most comfortable and processed to you, you do have, you know, you've got Can we do both of them at the same time? No, no. You'd have to
084do one and then go back and do the other. Yeah. So, if you go back to that uh thing of a couple years, if you go back to page three, slide three, you can see that the window of time for your authority that's expiring, the $249 authority is doesn't start till July 1st of 2030. Chuck will remember. So, we could I was thinking maybe we could just sign them both at the same time, but she'll be ready. You can do the tooth truth and taxation hearing the same time as one of these so that in December you could do that both at the same time and people wouldn't have to come twice if they wanted to come. True. Yep. More questions for Jody. Thank you very much for coming down here. Great. Just let us
085know whenever you know you're ready and if you want to move forward, we'll make sure to we can get that resolution updated with the specific dates or refresh that chart so that you can kind of see what's been happening with the other districts, too. I mean, so far you can see how it's been turning out, but we'll refresh that for you, too. Good. All right. Thank you. Kindly. Okay. Thank you again. Thank you. Thanks, Great. Then I think we're on to the review the equipment list for the tracking. Yeah, there um there that was included in your packet as you can see. Um there are a couple items that are are facility related issues that that are are I think we've got something in in this particular gym. But um anyway, you can see that
086list then the uh that that has been compiled. Um, we solicited quotes from three at least that I collect, three different vendors, sporting vendors, and narrowed the field. Have a good drive, safe travels, Joey. Um, and then and then um, uh, we then narrowed the list from down to um, Borches, the sporting goods out of Marshall, uh, who put together then the final list of of, uh, of equipment and sort of thing. Um, so, uh, we have had the, uh, building to grounds committee, uh, look at this list a little bit. Um, and Brad and and, uh, Kelsey are here also tonight if you have questions, um, on the list and those kinds of things. Um, the the overall uh, thought process here is is that it's when you it's kind of like building a
087building a new house, right? you're you're looking at uh having to put furniture in it. Well, and and and building added put an addition onto a school or building a new school, you've got FF&E, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Same philosophy applies. We've got some things here relative to the track and relative to uh the turf that because of the the addition of soccer, um softball and wanting to be able to play softball out there when when weather conditions are are are more suited for that complex, then you've got to have equipment. And so, um that list was compiled based upon uh those needs. And so that's what that list is. Um so um uh the other thing I would tell you is that um I'll maybe just say it. I I my my thought was
088was that in light of the fact that um you just got done now approving the funding for the the track or excuse me the turf installation. Um there's now the the puzzle comes together even closer as it relates to the uh award of the sale of for the turf uh the bonds for the turf um the LTFM dollars that are currently in reserves that will handle the um the u that will handle the reconstru reurfacing of the track. So those things now are coming together, right? The piece the pieces of the puzzle coming together. Now we take a look at what's the project going to cost and the bids for the the turf installation and the track resurfacing were received last week. you people should look at and and put your um stamp of approval
089on that if indeed you're going to do that. I would tell you that it it was done by way of source well which um basically expedites on your behalf the whole bid process. So these are the source well and the engineering firm were able to delineate and procure those bids on your behalf. So they will come to you as one vendor. So those then will total in you know the project will be in that neighborhood of um well in excess of $1.5 million. You guys should be addressing that that figure as a governor. So, um, that's the issue with that. With that being said, and this agenda item this evening, I was we wondered if it wasn't better, uh, being you hadn't seen the bids for the track resurface and the turf installation if we
090wouldn't address that in a separate meeting. And then, um, we could get some time here to also talk about the equipment needs. then it's all packaged together in one meeting. Um and and thinking about next Monday night if we could do that. We can bring then you would have time then to ask questions about the bid of the of the surface resurface the turf installation um and then go from there. You want to call a special meeting to address this on Monday night? That's kind of what we were thinking. Yeah. We have to publish. That's an open meeting. Yep. That's correct. Okay. Mhm. for all of you. So, that's what I would that's what I would say. Um, in light of that, um, like I say, the the buildings and grounds committee has gone through
091um has seen this list. That's why that's why it's here at the table this evening. Um Brad and and Kelsey are here for questions if you want to get into the specifics of the why having looked at the packet. Um certainly they can be available next Monday night too I think and as we um and as we kind of put a bowl on the whole package. Um what is important is that we've kind of set the table for contingent upon your approval for um project start date of May 19th and and here we are the 21st of April. So the bid approval uh is critical to stay on task or on time with that project. So that's why we're kind of looking at that. Basically, this stuff is has all been approved, right? Uh the
092equipment, the equipment has not, but I mean obviously we need the equipment. The rest of it is approved, right? Um for all intent and purposes, uh nothing is nothing until approved until you say it's approved. Okay. So, the board um in light of the two, you know, the the resurface and and and yep, it's there. We're down to they're bringing they're bringing a vendor and they're bringing they're bringing two vendors, one for the resurface, one for the installation of the turf. They're bringing those two vendors with an amount to you. And at that point in time, you say yes or no. The the issue is then you've kind of done that tonight when when you called for and actually did that last December when you levied for the amount although that could have been that
093could be given back to the taxpayers but tonight you said yes to 1.2 2 million. Yeah. Going into um you kind of did in effect you did that tonight. But it's going to be kind of if you say no to the bids then I don't know where that put you they say no we can say no to the soccer balls right so does anyone have an issue with Monday night does that work for everybody I know there's a band concert at 7 start so I think it's 77 we can I I think it's would be Yeah, I think you have plenty of time. Okay. So, put it on your calendars, folks. Next Monday here, 6:00. We'll get that post. [Music] I think the next thing is the resolution to authorize freshwater. Yes. Um the the
094letter um that was in included in your packet um pretty much says it all about the the why. Um, this too was brought to the buildings and grounds committee uh to vet this a little bit. Um, as it relates to as it relates to uh uh when when districts decide to join together and work on collaborative programming, it's a it's a it can be a wonderful thing and partnering together sometimes has its challenges. And this falls under the heading of one of those challenges. And um the service cooperatives do not have statutory authority to levy. Um and as such then um they are using your ability as an individual district along with the seven others in freshwater. 11 11 others in Freshwater who have the ability to do it also. And they are capturing that
095by virtue of the legislaturator's um the legislature granting them permission to access your levy authority. So anyway, that's what this is. They want to tax people for freshwater. Correct. and Wadina and Browerville. Yeah. And it's it's all 11 districts that are being asked under the resolution um to um to access dollars to to fix their facilities and maintain their facilities. We have to do we all have to vote for all 11 member districts. Correct. they get. It's not one doesn't one does not do it. I'm not sure how they would respond to that. How are we going to respond to it? Do we do we want do we want to do that? Well, you know, it's it's a philosophical issue, you know, and that is is that do you want to access freshwater programming when
096it works for you and then not when it doesn't work for you? Okay. And that's that's the hard part about being a in a partnership and a cooperative is um it just this is the and they have they have facilities. If they can't levy, how did they just build that big new building up there? Where did they get money for that if they can't levy? That's a good question. Uh they they don't I imagine they have they don't have levy authority. They don't have levy authority. No. And a lot of that is probably done by way of us and the cooperative partnerships that we have and fees um and services that we that we take advantage of and there's an upcharge uh to address all of those services. Can you discuss this with your superintendents
097when you have your next meeting up there and get the take on that from the other member districts? Well, um, it already has been. Um, and and I'm surprised that the Freshwater board they haven't talked with the freshwater board, Chuck, about this. I I think they Yeah, I I don't know. I That's why I'm questioning all this. They always ask a long period for money. But they need us more than we need them. You know that the bigger and and what we will say about that and the the bigger districts typically hold the weight. They do. That's So you're saying you haven't discussed this at the meetings at the freshwater meetings. Do you haven't discussed this? Yes, I think it's been discussed. You have? Oh, yeah. That's my questions on it. I guess I like
098I guess I'd like to know how the other districts all probably already have. I know we're one of the late ones as you can see from the calendar. I I have a meeting there next week. Can we Does this have to be done tonight? Well, as you can see from the calendar then, you know, I mean, do we have time? I think a little bit of time but they have they have issues where they have to start you know um presenting information to uh the department as you can see the May um you know Jordan having plans you know I mean we do we have time sure but you can see May 31 he wants to have all the data loaded to the department that means the accompanying resolution make a recommendation. What? Do you
099think it's in our best interest to do this? Well, I what I'll say is about is that the buildings and grounds um committee when we talked about it in our last meeting, they made the recommendation. They had to do pass recommendation on it. Okay. And this is for 2027, correct? For fiscal year 2027. Is that what I read in there? Correct. So that $8,200 figure will go on the levy uh on our levy when you see that in September. Yeah, that's a little item down there. School district and two there's little down there. It's called other. Yeah. Everybody else that is and I think sometimes they even say fresh water on it. Yeah. to make the resolution. Yes, we're at that point. I'll move to make the resolution or to approve the resolution on second.
100Any further discussion or questions? Any further discussions? Questions? Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. All right. Um, policies, we all read those very thoroughly, correct? A lot. That was a lot of them. In your looking at those policies, folks, have anybody um got question want to talk about any of them? Madam Chair, if I could take a couple minutes. Not even not even I just wanted to point out some highlights that I that I mean I hadn't even you know seen previously. Um one was um I I don't know where we're at. 417 talked about a chemical abuse teams um and um and not necessarily a requirement to have in place, but the way the policy read and some of our actions as it relates to uh discipline
101plans and those kinds of things. I don't know if the district has anything like that in place, but might want to be thinking about that since it's in policy. um 2418 talked about the u um the alcohol um and and um uh drug uh issue. Uh that's what I mentioned earlier with the Long Prairie Baseball Association. It spoke to exactly the provision that allows us um to serve alcohol on school grounds as long as there's obviously promotions uh secured. uh but also then that in uh starting in 26 27 grades 7 through 12 have to have instruction on cannabis use and fentanyl you know so that was that was I had I was not aware of that you know so that has to start working into some units or or some kind of thing like
102that grades and for policy 419 vape instruction for grades 6 through 8 one time during that during that time during the grades of 6 through eight vape instruction. Uh 421 was the $5 gift restriction. Uh 422, this is a big one here, too. There in 422 there's a list of all the policies in series 100 through 900 that's referred to as incorporate by reference whereby a policy can can that may be written for students can be incorporated to apply to adults employees and vice versa. Okay. So that's a key there are policies out there that as you're thinking does that apply to does that apply to employees too? It may because and if all you have to do is go to policy 422 and that lists out all of the policies that have all of
103those incorporations with it. In other words, they go both student and adult. Um and then and then 425. Um maybe time for us to kind of talk look a little bit about staff development regulations too. I know that we target a lot of our staff development aid toward paying for um the uh first couple days of in service, which is an appropriate use of those funds. Um it's just I don't know how much of that is active in in our in our district. So just some things to be aware of. And that's all that happens. With all of that being said, I do we have to We don't have to make a motion. We do. We do. I would call for a motion to accept a re rereading of those policies. I move to accept
104the policies. I'll second motion. Chuck second. Is there any further discussion on them? Questions? Any further discussion or questions? All those in favor say I. I opposed. Okay, that motion was carried on. I believe that is the end of us. Thank you.