001meeting tonight. This is a regular school board meeting of the Ch United School Board. Tonight, tonight is Monday, March 23rd, and it is 5:00 p.m. So, I will call this meeting to order. We will stand up for the pledge of allegiance. >> 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. >> All right. Thank you very much. Roll call finds all present except we are missing Hillary tonight. And next up we have our first agenda item is employees of the month. >> All right. >> Where do we have where are the certificates? >> We have the certificates. >> Okay, we can do that quick. No, it's no big deal. >> We can do
002this as we quickly go and you need to sign quick. >> Let's do this first one and come. >> All right. This would be April Iverson. >> All right. We'll say a little bit about April. >> All right. So, April goes above and beyond each day for all the students that she works with. students are excited to learn math from her. April builds strong relationships with students to make sure students feel comfortable to ask questions and receive support when they don't understand a math concept. April is one in a million. We are so lucky to have her. April. >> What? >> Yeah. >> Taped on the cards for you. >> Congratul Oh, did you shake everyone's hands? Oh, >> Congratulations. Here, I'll give that to you. Okay. >> For all you do. Thank you. Congratulations.
003How are you? >> We have Sharon. >> All right. >> Okay. Okay. >> Sure. >> All right. >> When we talk about all means all in our district, Sharon demonstrates that every single day. When Sharon was hired as their float assistant cook for TCU, she willingly accepted into a role that supports all four of our kitchens. There is never a sense of separation because of distance or town. Each school is equally important to her. She shows up ready to give her best whenever she is needed and works alongside the staff to help support the team when they are short staff. Sharon is one of the most kind-hearted people I know. She cares deeply about the students she serves and treats everyone with kindness and respect. She also supports her co-workers by sharing ideas and helping
004sites improve processes, including organizing inventory systems. Sharon is the kind of work co-orker every team hopes for. SHARON, >> thank you for all you do. There you go. >> Thank you so much. >> Congratulations. >> Huh? >> No. Next up, Lexi Franic. >> All right. Lexi is a fantastic early childhood special education teacher at our school. She is great with her students, a wonderful collaborator with staff and an excellent advocate for inclusion. Lexi gives her all to support her ECSU students in the classroom. Currently, Lexi's case load ranges from non-verbal students to students who require social emotional coaching. She always approaches her students with a positive attitude, helping them to feel welcome at school. She is great at providing information to other students in the classroom to help them understand the abilities of the students
005she serves. Lexi is a fantastic resource when it comes to problem solving strategies for all students whether or not they receive ECSE services. She has great ideas and input for inclusive practices and routines in the classroom environment. We are lucky to have her in our program. PLEXI CONGRATULATIONS. >> And last but not least, Jesse Johnson. The primary reason I believe Jesse deserves to be recognized as employee of the month is her unwavering dedication not only to her students but to our entire district. Jesse consistently works behind the scenes to make TCU a better place to learn, teach, and work. Despite having only a few years of teaching experience, she has quickly become a strong leader within both our building and the district. Her commitment is evident in the creative ideas she develops to support students,
006staff, and families. In Le Center, she has continued bringing up new ideas that bring our hallways and school community together through collaborative projects. She also identifies opportunities others may overlook, finding ways to make our school more engaging, welcoming, and safe. Jesse's leadership, creativity, and dedication are exceptional and truly worthy of employee of the month recognition. Jesse is an exceptional teacher who builds genuine and meaningful connections with staff, students, and family. She invents time and care into building and maintaining these relationships and creating a warm and supportive classroom community where every student feels valued. Her ability to connect with students is truly special. She helps them believe in themselves and their abilities both in the classroom and beyond. Jesse consistently goes above and beyond for everyone at TCU. Whether she's supporting a student who is struggling
007or offering guidance, encouraging to a new teacher, encouragement to a new teacher, she is always ready to help. I I believe Jesse Johnson deserves to be recognized for employee of the month. Jesse, >> see one more time. >> Oh, yeah. We can. >> So, our employees of the month. Thank you. And I think she still wants to get a picture of all of you guys out in the hallway, too. >> Thank you. All right, we have Kevin here to give an administrative report. Kevin, you want to have a seat right there? Y. Well, I'm happy to be on the team. We'll start with that. Um, three weeks in, it's been my what would it be? 16th day today. Um, been trying to just get to know all my employees, get through the buildings and kind
008of see what's going on around everywhere, wrap my head around it all. So, um, I' I got lost the first day and filled the center building, but I now I've navigated through much better. >> That's awesome. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It is quite the building. It is, but I'm getting it down. So, >> good. >> Yep. >> Um, there is I don't know. There's a lot of things that I'm noticing walking through the buildings that >> could use some attention. You know, I think you guys are all aware of that. I know we are limited sometimes on funds. So, I've started a a list of things and I will share that down the road here. So, like I said, just trying to fill up our our spots that are vacant and go from there. So,
009>> one day at a time. >> That's right. >> What's been the most stressful so far? >> I was going to ask the same question. >> Most stressful? Um, I would probably say just fires every day. Like from just things that happen throughout buildings, you always coming to me. But, you know, take them one at a time and try to put it out and make everybody happy with the best outcome. So, >> how many openings do you have right now, Kevin? Um, well, I did just fill the midshift at the high school and he'll be starting on the 30th. So, there's that. I also have about five subs right now that we're we got on the sub list from the high school. So, we're just trying to make sure that we have those spots filled
010for when people are out. So, keep our >> accepting tonight is the latest one or is there? >> Yep. And then you've got students that are hired as >> Yep. Yep. I got five student subs right now. So if we need anybody for on call when somebody's out, we got that covered to to keep the schools looking nice. >> So are you full now then? After >> after today. Yes. >> Okay. Fantastic. >> That's good. >> Yep. And those students are going to help out in the summer, too. >> Yep. I got whatever spots we need them filled. We will have that covered. So we have a lot of good options right now. They're all old enough to be able to drive and and travel around. One of the ones in Lenner that's going to
011be able to sub is his mom's in the kitchen. So that was a good I it was just a good fit. He's three blocks away. Um he's like I can walk in the summer. So he would be a he was just a good candidate and a really good kid. So >> what are couple projects you're working on now? We talked about them this morning a little bit too, but >> yeah. So we have >> a couple of bigger projects you're working on. >> So well we we have a boiler that went down in in Lawndale. So we're looking into that. We need to get that taken care of here pretty soon. I have a couple quotes out for that. Um, let's see what else do we have going on. There's a air handler up on
012the high school that we are going to it's been abandoned, but we're going to try to get that going and it's been an ongoing thing that's been a problem. So, was things that have come to my attention. So, we looked into that one. Um, in lease center, we are working on the air um the units and right now it's should be covered under warranty. So, Greg, my maintenance guy, and I have been digging into that and and talking back and forth with them. So, >> trying to not spend money if we don't have to on that is is really rewarding. So, and then Londale, we also are fixing an air handler that has been a problem and that one just went through. So, that should be happening in the next week or so, I would
013imagine. So, and then other projects that I'm starting out on would be the front door at the MK8 building. Um, there's some rust from salt and stuff like that. So, we're going to try to beautify that down the road here, make it look better. So, that would be one. We just did the gym floor. Um, that was like my second day in Lee Center. There was some water damage. We had them come down and open it up. that was already kind of started. Uh it turned out really quite beautiful and I'm excited to see the finished project after school. So >> is that the whole floors being refinish? >> They just did a section that was damaged and when they opened it up we did have to do a little bit more. Um since it
014was open, we just went down to like an extra 3 ft and it made sense to do it the right way. So, >> and that gym will look fairly similar to the other two we just did. Um, and then that whole gym will be painted this summer, too. So, be a facelift in there. >> Yep. >> What gym is that? >> That's the gym. >> The lower the lower gym. The main gym. >> The middle the low gym. The middle school. Middle school. Lower gym. Yep. >> The old varsity gym. Is that >> Yeah, it would be the old varsity. Yep. So, we did have to make a modification for the paint, but it's going to it's going to look really nice. I'm excited to see the finished project. >> Yep. And then like he
015said, paint the paint job and putting up some Titans logos up on the walls and making it look all nice. So >> he's been doing a little more than he says cuz he doesn't talk much, but yeah. >> Yeah, I I'll get better. I promise. >> He's been receiving well. It's uh it's been going well. I just handed over not hand over, but I gave him the review and comment for the um bond. He has he didn't have that full copy yet, so I gave that today just to continue to reference. I didn't want to give it to him too far ahead of time. Mhm. >> Um so as he and I talk often he's got his feet pretty wet already. So he's got a bunch of time yet because there's a lot more than
016>> the job brings on. >> Yeah. I was probably nine 10our days at a minimum. So which is fine. I accept it and it's it's really fun. I look forward to trying to make things great around here. So >> So was it overwhelming kind of getting on board and everywhere? Of course, it's a little >> I'm just asking because I'm trying to put myself in your shoes. >> Yeah, very overwhelming. Just, you know, because there's some new It's new systems. Some of them, some that I've done before, but yes, definitely overwhelming and just a lot to, you know, >> where I came from the positions that I cover, there was about six people total that did that. So, yep. >> Yeah. We'll give a, you know, a couple kudos. Uh, Jeff graciously was helping us,
017too. He got us current boss to give him five days that we can kind of use too. So we got to go building by building for the first two days and then we just been kind of using them has some budget stuff come up so that he knows exactly where we are in space with some stuff. So that's been a good transition too. Kevin's asked a couple times can I talk bring Jav in or talk to Jav and so we've been able to do that which has been really helpful too and he's been off to a great start. >> Um I I'll give him kudos. That's why I wanted to speak tonight because it's a good time for him to do that. Um but he's off to a good start. So, >> yeah. And then
018I lastly, I I got to meet with Julie today. That was quite awesome. Um, tomorrow we're going to have another meeting and and go over a lot of stuff on the budget and try to >> The meeting was awesome or Julie's awesome? >> Both. >> Yeah. So, I'm just excited to see the team and, you know, and build a good team with everybody, you know, and make my staff want to be here. And >> yeah, I think day day two, you had your own staff together, the all the leads. So he sat down with them like right away and yeah got them on to the p the scale that he wants them to be at. Um so >> they they bought in within a couple weeks here. So >> yeah. >> Yep. I I do
019I do feel that for sure. I feel that they're we got a good support so far and building a strong team. So >> Good deal. >> Anything else we >> Yeah. Any questions for me? Everybody good? Thanks. >> Thank you. >> I'll get better. I promise. >> The facility guys don't always like to talk, so they just want to work. >> Directors struggle at these meetings, so that's all right. >> Huh. >> Some of our directors struggle at these meetings. So, he did a good job. >> For sure he did. Absolutely. >> All right. >> We're very intimidating. >> I kind of am. >> All right. I need a motion to approve the agenda. >> I'll second. I have a motion by Chris Valasac, second by Susie Rip to approve the agenda. All those in
020favor? >> Those opposed? Motion is passed. 6. Next up, we have the consent agenda. It's kind of lengthy, so bear with me here. Um, first up, we have approval of our minutes from our February 9th of special school board meeting and February 23rd regular board meeting. Under personnel, we have some appointment ending. We have Alexa Iverson, our occupational therapist. Sarah Holden, junior high volleyball coach. Sarah Calligri, a special education teacher. Don Marcusen, junior high boy basketball coach. Uh, Amanda Slottic, district nurse. Jamie Bruns, teacher and Jordan rummer pair professional. Under new hires, we have Jamie Dre, uh, long-term sub, second grade. Jeff Kramer, custodian maintenance. John Schmeing, assistant softball coach. Carolyn Harmier, assistant softball coach. Sarah Adams, assistant softball coach. Luke um Shakowski, volunteer golf coach. Emma Kabal, egg science egg tech food teacher. And
021Emma Kabal um Troy head FFA advisor. Under leave of absence, we have Jenny Friedrich, student success coach. Christine St. Martin, prayer professional. This is a leave extension. Um, Jenna Estus, pair professional, Allison Krinski, Multilingual Teacher, and Elizabeth Gluth, multilingual teacher. Under contracts, we have our principal contract for the 2627 and 2728 and approval of the bills in the amount of 923,79267. I will need a motion to approve the consent agenda. I'll second. >> I have a motion by Josh Balky, second by Chris Velasak to approve the consent agenda. All those in favor? >> I. >> Those opposed? >> Motion has passed 6. Open forum. Believe we don't have anyone for tonight. Uh, student reporters. >> Okay. >> Hi, >> J. Jules again. >> Woohoo. We're on the We're on the sheet now. We're fancy. It's
022official. >> You got to trust you first before. >> Yeah. Yeah, you had to let us ease in a little bit first. >> So, starting with sports, spring sports have fully started now. Um, started boys and girls track, golf, uh, softball, baseball. Track had their first meet over the weekend at MSU. There's another on Friday. Both teams took second. And boys baseball leaves tomorrow. They have a Florida trip. I don't really know what that fully entails, but playing >> couple things there. Facebook baseball. >> Um little NHS >> train. They're jogging to Florida. >> Yeah, exactly. It's part of their training. >> Um NHS update blood. The blood drive was really successful. They collected 71 units of blood and alltime school record so far. Um and then NHS members bagged groceries at Cub Foods and
023Northfield as one of the um member um le um monthly projects, but they Cub Foods gave them like a little cut of their money from when they were there and they raised over $900 for the children's hospital they donated it to. >> Nice. >> So that went really well. BPA. Um, 11 of us went to state March 5th through 7th in Minneapolis and then three qualified for nationals and this is in Nashville in May 6th through 10. >> Very fancy. Um, FFA, the 72nd Princess K, the Milky Way came to school to educate students about the dairy industry. And then Barry Schmidt, that former the former TCU FFA adviser was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Um, student council, we're working on safety week now, week of which is the week of prom, April 20
02420th through the 24th. We're doing our video contest again. We're working on dressup days, prizes, and more. And then we're doing another James generosity here coming up. So, posters just went up for that today. Um, today we had a graduation meeting for seniors. I saw it's on the agenda, so I won't talk too much about it, but we pretty much just got dates for cap and gown pickup, senior class picture, out on the football field, honors night, graduation practice, unity day, and graduation. Um, prom is on Saturday, April 25th. It's located at the science museum in St. Paul. Postprom is at Bolero in Lakeville. And we have anformational meeting next Monday during grade level advisory. And then I actually just booked the next chapter winery today for pictures for before for grand march before grand
025march. >> And then juniors are set to take the ACT on Tuesday, April 21st. >> That's pretty much it. >> That's all we got. >> Yeah, good deal. >> We had a snow day, too. So, there you go. >> We all had a snow day. >> Perfect. Thanks, guys. Any questions for them? >> All right, we'll move on toformational items. >> Thank you. Yeah, Julie >> for our 2526 revised budget. >> I am Julie Grant. I'm your financial dire newest financial director of the district. >> I'm going to go up to the TV and point if that's all right with everybody as I go through. >> So we go to the next slide here. We're going to talk about the 26 >> the FY 26 revised budget >> and a little bit of our parameters
026that we use as we were developing the budget. >> So we were we talk about student enrollment of course as we do our adopted budget and our revised budget. We want to make sure that we are using updated information for the enrollment and that we are cons conservative in these numbers. We don't want to be too high because of course we know that every dollar counts and that if we go too high then we might be over budget. So we want to make sure that we're conservative with our enrollment numbers and we continue to do that in our revised our general fund balance audited 25 general fund excluding the assigned and restricted. Here I'm going to say excluding because down a few slides we're going to be including so that's why there'll be different numbers
027excluding assigned and restricted funds was about 23.64%. The revised budget for FY26 is projecting a decrease to about about which is going to decrease that fund balance to about 21.33%. Now, as we get down, we'll talk more about why that's happening. Uh personnel cost, the staffing levels of course are deter determined determined with our enrollment needs and the class size targets that we have. All non-certified and most individual contracts have been settled for 21 to 26. And we will continue to be diligent in negotiating these contracts to make sure that we can do the most for all bargaining units. Inflationary costs are about 2.3 to 2.9% for FY26 and 2.7% in FY27. State foundation aid. A few things there for the February 26 forecast shows that the 2627 balance is 3.7 billion to 1.3 billion
028higher than the November estimates. So what does that mean? there's a slightly better revenue forecast. Now, that is a good thing, but it may not change that appetite for additional ongoing investments by the legislature. Spending growth still outpaces revenue growth through FY29, which creates a structural imbalance that will need to be addressed. And as I'm sure all of the financial directors before me have told you, the state has not kept up with inflation. So that is where we're in that impact. Next slide. Talking about a little bit about federal funding policies. We don't exactly know what's going to go down with those for the next year. There's always pressure on the current and the state on the current local and state budgets because of what the federal might do in their policies. We did receive
029a 2.69 increase in general funding for 27. So that's a little bit more than the 2% they could give us between two and three is what they stated and they're giving us 2.69 that is in ink. So we are confident that we're going to get that. That increase is about $22 to $7,683 per APU. Right now, FY28, FY29 would follow that consumer price index, the floor of two and a cap of three. So again, we were really hoping that we would get three this year. We ended at 2.69, which is great, not two. So that's very good. Things that are going to be in question, QCOM, will we have that funding past 27? compensatory with the current law could and probably will decrease in FY FY27 asis funding is that going to end in FY27
030probably and that will also hit our budgets. Uh we are I'm going to get that down here in a little bit of other funding changes we had. Um the TR that changed beginning FY or beginning July 1st of 2025. There is not anything there that that's going to change again. Norris PAR long-term facilities revenue. We have about 292,000 funding balance at the end of FY26 projected. And this um we're going to utilize a long-term facilities management re revenue for facility needs that have been documented over the last few years from what I took from talking with Jab. Um and now I'll be talking with Kevin on that um to make sure that we are staying within that plan and that we do the 10ear plan that we do send to the state. That is something
031that we will approve at the June meeting or the July meeting I think because it's July due July 20th. um state special education funding. That's a work in progress as you probably all know still is. Um there are going to be hurdles we'll have to cross. Uh this is where I was going to talk about some other different foundation aid changes. So this year our transportation aid went from 100% covered for special education to 95%. And uh we are about 70% funded currently using a mixture of FY25 and FY26 numbers for spend revenue that we brought in and expenditures that we've sent out. Uh we're at about 70%. Again, that could change a little bit, but that's probably what's going to hit for this year ending this year. Next slide. And then different overall budget
032adjustment targets. Um do we need for student programming? Is there staffing changes? we need to make because of enrollment. We looked at that. Uh we know that our SER co funding has been depleted. We know that compensatory revenue for FY26 and FY27 is projected to decrease. So how can we help our revised 26 budget already to be um forward thinking for FY27 budget? Uh we have a technology plan implementation that we are still on track with. Our continuation of the ESST and summer unemployment that have hit us the last two summers, those continue to um go towards our unassigned balance and take away from our unassigned balance. Those aren't going away. They're still there. Um they have put more money into summer unemployment brought took some of it from that 5% from sped transportation to
033be able to fund that but it went from one spot to the other. So where does that really come out? It comes out of our coffers. Um our enrollment projection fluctuations. We're constantly looking at that. Uh talked about our general ed increases are not keeping up with inflation. uh we need to make sure that our we watch our curriculum because the costs are going to increase with any additional mandates they put out like the read act training that is something that we don't have a choice the state tells us what we have to do so then if they don't fund that program enough we have to take that out of our unassigned uh this year starting in January 2026 Minnesota paid leave started so the pay leave premium that's split between district and employee at
034444% uh the cost to this district would We estimate around 71,000. We have a this year we have a state reduction in library aid. If you remember a couple years ago the state gave us 40,000 for state library aid and then they put mandates on those dollars. This year they put even more mandates on those dollars but then took 20,000 away. Um so that's that's the things that we have to work with. The state reduction of course of sped transportation reimbursement of 5% which we already talked about. Okay. the next page. All right. So, now we're going to get a little bit into numbers here. All right. So, this here is I'm gonna stand on the other side. This here is the adopted budget that was adopted in June. And you can see here this
035top line is the general fund. Okay. So, in June for the FY26 adapted budget, we had a de we were deficit spending 1.6 million. food service 87,000 community service 9,000 and debt service was going up about a half a million so in total we were down about 1.1 million okay so this is what the adopted budget was down here is my ask for the revised budget now first a few things I want to point out is these beginning balances are different than those beginning balances why because these are audited numbers versus our best guess now Remember, a budget is your best guess, okay? That we're constantly going to revise. If we need to revise this again, we will. So, this is what was the best guess. And now, this is actual audited numbers. Okay? So,
036we come down here and we can see that there's some differences. 20 million versus 24 million that we're starting. Okay. So, if we go to general fund and loan deficit spending, we adopted 1.6. We're coming in at about 1.3. Why? because we brought up our revenue just a little bit. We're still being very cautious with our revenue and not bringing it up too much. We want to make sure we do that slowly and we um we get to that even spot slowly just in case something happens. But every time we do a budget, we want to get a little bit more tight. Our expenditures, we are up a little bit than what we thought. Our ending balance though is higher than what our adopted was because our beginning balance came in high. What I like
037to do, and so I ch made a little change here, is you can see there's four funds here, general food service, community, and debt. I want our budget to match our audit. So someone opens up our audit, they see the numbers, they can open up our budget, see the same numbers, and there's a comparison there. You know, they're not like, why is this number there and why is this number here? So I add all the funds that are in the audit. I put those on my budget. So you'll see we've got general general but here we have activities and construction because those are two funds and they're not out there and then we have food service community service and debt service. That's why it looks just a little bit different because I actually list all
038of them out where they would have been combined or just left out up out there. So we talk about construction here. We had about 163,000 coming in. We're looking at spending some of that and having a little bit of a balance at the end. And then activities usually is an in-n-out. You know, a student activity. So, it's usually just an in and out. So, go to the next page, please. Here we're talking about our revenue and expenditure comparison. So, we've got prelim 2526. So, that's our adopted. What did we first say? Our revised, which is what my ask is now, and then what's the difference? So, we can see for revenue, we talked about that's going to go up just a little bit. Zero versus a number just because I do it a little bit
039differently. So it matches our audit. Food service, I'm saying, yep, we're going to get a little bit more in here. It looks like we're trending a little higher. Community service, we're trending a little bit lower. Debt service here, we're about right on track. So if we go to expenditures, then same thing. Trend a little bit higher for general fund. Just put the actuals in there. Food service a little bit lower, a little bit uh or about the same there. Community service and then debt service a little bit higher. So you can see that that larger amount there. We'll talk about that a little bit on the next slide, too. So, next page. All right. Ending fund balance comparison versus projected uh fund balance. Now, I talked about on the other sheet, those percentages are going
040to look a little bit like that because in those percentages where you're restricted or you're restricted and your um unsigned were not in there where here this includes all the dollars. Okay. So, first we'll start up here. We've got what the actual was versus what I'm asking for in the revise versus what your adapted was. Okay. So, what's the difference here? Well, we've got your prel prelim preliminary FY26 budget uh fund balance ending 8.5. I've got it at 9.9. So, that shows the 1.3 deficit. And then you've got the uh or sorry, that goes from the actual to the revised is a 1.3 deficit. And then you've got these numbers coming in here, zeros, because they weren't on the other sheet. And then still, you're only losing about 45 and 19, but you got a
041really healthy fund balance yet in food service and community service. Now, right here, our auditors have a restatement that they're doing in debt service from FY24 that I just found out about on Friday. So, this number will show about a million higher than it was. So, a positive restatement. Um, but that might be why some numbers look a little different than when we talked on the finance, okay? Because there's going to be we're going to see just right under a million dollar restatement from FY24. And so then we bring in what our revised was and or our revised is compared to that and then what our prelim and you can see also that difference there. So then we come down to fund balance here. This is all the money which when I look at fund
042balance when I when I think you guys want to look at fund balance we look at that without the restricted funds because we don't have a choice on a restricted funds the state tells us again how we can spend those right and we have a little bit money in assigned and that also we don't look at because we are saying we're assigning those to specific things but for this slide it is included so our actual is about 40% our revis highest is going to be about 33%, you can see our prehome was 28. So, we're sitting a little bit higher than that, which we know we went from 1.6 to 1.3 and there's about 225,000 difference. And then we add our activities in our construction. Food service very healthy, community service, very healthy. Um, we
043are going to constantly be watching this with the changes that are um happening. And then debt service. Debt service is an in and out every year because you pay off the debt, then you get the money in from the taxpayers. And so it's just you, you know, one year will be up, one year will be down. So nothing to be concerned about that there. Next page. So let's look again at this adopted budget lookback. So this is what was adopted. Again, we see at the bottom here, total general fund 1.6 million. You can actually skip ahead or skip ahead. I think one sheet. Yeah, right here. So you can see total funds here is 1.1 or 18.8. Now I'll go to the next two slides or next one. Yep. So here we can see now
044we're at that 1.3. Next slide we'll show 2.3 a little bit different but right here is where that big difference is coming. This debt service we have to look right there. So don't be alarmed by these bottom numbers because that's taking all of those restricted funds in there. The ones we really want to pay attention to are those general fund unassigned monies because that's what we have. Those are the monies we have to do more things with. Um next page. Okay. So, questions. I will try to answer any questions you have. If I don't have the answer, I of course will look to Kevin or I will get back to you. Okay. Because I I'm new to your school and I'm learning learning learning. But just in case I can't answer it specifically, I ask
045for the grace to be able to come back with the answer. Okay. Any questions? >> So, the projected deficit is 227 227,000, right? It is 227,000 less than what the adopted said. Adopted showed 1.6 million and now we're at 1.3 million. >> Expenses went up a little bit. Revenue also went up a little bit though. So >> So we're definitely suspending 1.3 this year >> after the revised. Yes. >> At the adopted you were at 1.6 million and now we're at 1.3. better. Yes. Not best. >> It's best is coming. >> Yes. >> Right. Best is coming. >> It is. And we're working really hard. Um all the staff that I've talked to, every the directors, the administrator, I every all parts of the the staff are really working hard to seeing how we're doing
046the budget together. Kevin and I are constantly talking about the things that we want to do with our reports. And everybody knows that we need to make sure that we are constantly looking at ways we can save. >> One thing that we have talked about in finance is the goal is to not deficit spend for our next budget. So there will be changes that will need to be made so that we are not deficit spending because if we continue to do that that eats at our fund percentage and we know that we have a um policy that 17% that we must have that. So we at right now >> 23 was it right? Project. Yeah. >> Um so >> we're we're eating at that just unrestricted that. >> Sure. The the last few years we've
047been deficit spending or we were projected to and then the numbers always came in the actuals will be up basically zero or or positive. I I obviously I can't ask you project predict the future, but do you see that happening again where we're at 13 and actuals might come in at we actually only deficit spended 400,000? >> That's a great question. So when I first pointed out those beginning balances being different, that's exactly what happened, what you just said. Um, being that I' I haven't been here for me more than four months or so or four or five months. I was talking to Kevin about this today that come June 30th, we're really going to be able to see where our budget lies because part of it was me, part of it was the former
048business man or financial director. Um, and when I budget, I budget expenses high, revenue low, and then every budget I do the same thing, but they get a little bit closer. So at the end, my last revision of a budget, so if we do another one, it's going to be even a little closer, but still maybe a little high in expenses and a little low on revenue. So that we come out that way because it's that's better than coming out the other way until I've had that full year or until the end of this year. I won't be able to answer that question yet. >> What I can tell you though is we are staying on track with people's budgets. People are staying within their budgets. Um Kayla's doing a great job of anytime anything's
049yellow lined. Yellow line means they're going over their budget, she makes sure to send that to me. I have to approve it to know why or they're asking questions on can we spend these dollars and how can we spend them. So that that's been a good start so far since I've been here. Um but I can't answer whether or not yet until probably after June 30th. I I guess my cons my concern is obviously as a board we don't want a deficit spend but we get to a balanced budget and then nine months later when the actuals come in and we're positive 1.9 which we're fine saving money and building up our general fund but it's always seems like such a large number. Wasn't it one two3 last year that ended up getting down to
050like a hundred,000? >> Yeah, >> it was it was over a million dollars. So that's it's not concerning. I guess I'm just I wish we could get closer to actually know so we can actually budget >> and over a million dollars off is just kind of >> and we will close. >> I would like to do another revision in May and I talked to Kevin about this and the finance team so that we can see a more realistic view at it. And so that is that's how I budget. I am going to be closer than a million dollars. So, >> and I would say that the unpredictability part compensatory and some other things will be falling right behind that, Trevor. Right. So, that's the uncertainty with all school districts in the state right now is
051where is that going to where's that going to take us next, right? So, you get to that spot where it's like, yeah, we're kind of cozy and then >> bam, there comes the big shot. >> Thank god it's been in our favor, I felt the last two or three years and not the other way around. I mean, I agree 100%. We'd rather go that way. >> There's just so many whatifs out there. >> 2.69% 69% doesn't even cover the uptick of just the regular expenses that we have. Right? So even though it was 2.69, which is favorable on a two to three scale, it still doesn't it still didn't cover everything on the inflationary cost of everything. That's the problem that the state's having right now um and schools are having with the state because
052it does it doesn't cover the cost. >> So the goal is to have a balanced budget that we approve for the 2627 school year. >> Okay. and and we will have to be tight and there will have to be things that are said no to, you know, in order for that to continue and we all have to know that and put the word out there so that people know and understand because if we keep deficit spending, obviously we cannot keep our buildings the way they are or continue those um just the the the things you know that we need to do in our buildings to keep them up, the educational pieces, all of those to keep it running to pay the bills. So that is going to have to be a tight thing to swallow
053and know that we have to do it moving forward. We haven't done that um in all my time here because we have been sitting very very good until the past couple years. So that is one thing. If we can do that and make that work and make that happen um before I leave this board, I will be very happy to set the school district up for future so that we are not depleting our fund balance. Thank you, Julie. >> Yeah, and I can say I leave one last positive. I mean, every time I talk to a a staff member, what it doesn't matter what staff member it is, I feel like there's always ways that we're we're saying, "Oh, that's going to affect our budget. Let's make sure we do that." I mean, just today
054again, I was talking to Kayla about something. I'm like, "Oh, that affects the budget. We need to do that a little bit different." So, we're having great conversations and that's a positive thing. >> Well, it's just a different outlook. So, that's fantastic. >> So, thank you. If you need any any questions, you know, reach out to Kevin. he'll let me know or reach out to me however you want to. So, thank you >> Julian. >> Um, next up, graduation representation. I believe we've had three people, maybe four in the past. Um, who wants to >> I just got to confirm, too, because Allan and Kevin were doing some checking with their staff. Uh, we can add some risers. So, more people want to be up front, we can accommodate that. So, I would I would
055greatly appreciate that. >> When is graduation? May what? 29 29th >> 29th I was going to say 28th 29th >> I should probably show up. >> I would hope that you would want to be good. >> I'd like Yep. I'll be there also. I think I have to be graduating. >> It's a Friday. >> I would love to do that being my last >> graduation. Yeah, if that's okay. >> We can we can accommodate all seven if we need to. So >> it's a lot. That is >> Do we all seven want to be there? That would be amazing. >> Is that what it >> do? >> I It would be the first in my time here. Yes. Usually someone >> I can I don't have a child graduating. I have a niece. But uh
056>> if that's what we want to do, I don't have a problem with it. But I don't need to be up there. If you three are going to do it on completely. >> When is the deadline that you need to know by >> um as soon as possible because they need to start planning to >> build the stage about three days prior. >> Yeah, >> it's his last one. >> Okay. I know there >> that's why I want to be there actually. >> Are you able to do it? Would you like to be there? >> Yeah, if you want I can be there. >> Okay, Cindy. >> Yeah. Okay. And then we can talk to Hillary. So, let's let's do it. Let's all be there. That would be awesome. I'm out. >> No, the full
057board. Yeah. >> So, May 29th, 7 p.m. >> Is that in the budget? >> Huh? Is it in the budget? It's a freebie. >> Senior class pays for the flowers. >> Load them up. Hey, I'm the treasurer. I'm fine with that. >> We got We already got approval. >> 29th. >> May 29th, 7 p.m. >> Fantastic. >> All right. I like that. I'll visit with um Allan and his crew then prior to that. So, >> okay. Um I will ask Hillary. >> Perfect. >> Tell her she has to. She doesn't have a choice. Um okay. >> How many were How many were there last year? Is it four? >> I think we went four. We ordered one more than normal last year. Four. >> It's always been like three. >> Okay. >> All right. Anything
058more? >> Very good. >> Okay. Awesome. Enrollment update. >> Enrollment. Uh let's see. Last time we were 1810, we're down to 1803. However, we had a couple families move out to Texas, I believe. But just got confirmation that our students that went to um >> our online program are all coming back. So that's going to give us 14 students back. >> Sweet. >> So put that back on top. So we're at 18 17 if you really want to look at that. So once fourth quarter starts, they're coming back. So got that confirmation from uh Jeff and Elevate today. So that's fantastic. we're gonna get our kids back and they feel a little bit more safe coming back. A lot of them left for some ice reasons. So, um, feels good to have them back. Just
059put that way. Jeff's really excited because most of them are coming from this building. >> This building >> from the center building. >> There's there's a few here, too. The center mostly they're coming from. So, >> get them back and >> back to being TCU Titans, which is really fun. >> So, that was hard to see them go in the first place. Um, so we're we're excited to have him back, which is really cool. So, kind of sticking about the same and I I don't know if I said it last time, but over the last 10 years, we've averaged about 1820 students a year at the end of the year. So, we're about right on track where we've been over the last 10 years. Couple years been up a little bit, down a little bit,
060but they average last 10 years again average out to 1820 student enrollment at the end of the year. >> Remind me again what the difference in numbers are. Go up again. 1741 compared to 1803. What was the difference in those? >> Well, it's probably the APUs, isn't it? >> Yeah. Oh, okay. >> I'm like, what are you looking? Okay, I see it. Yeah, that's the APU thing. >> Alan, what are you expecting that graduation number to be at roughly? >> Somewhere between 1 and 150. >> That's a wide range, Alan. >> Somewhere in that 150. >> That'll be about 150ish. >> I've had two senior danger meetings. Let parents and students know it's time. >> All right. >> Yeah. Very cool. >> Anything else? >> No. >> Okay. Committee updates. >> I should say too
061real quick. Thanks for Brenda for putting together too. So I always forget to tell her. Thank you. >> Thank you Brenda. >> Thanks. You're the best. >> Chip off the block. All right. Uh, committee updates. Insurance. >> What was on last trip? >> I don't know. >> Are you on insurance? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> But I Well, I didn't make it to this last one. >> Okay. >> I just had one, too. >> Yeah. So, quick quick update. Um, so we had NIS come in. Um, gave the presentation. Uh, so right now we're at um, >> well, it was 15.3% increase when they came in. However, they went back to find out if we can another point off. So, we got another point off at 14.3% is where we're at right now. Uh that
062will also because we inquired about using Healthy U. Healthy U is a program where you can uh go online and get a lot of your services. Um a lot of school districts use it and more and more are using it. Um and it saves a lot of money, right? I don't have to drive. I don't have to go to clinics. I can actually get my PT, my therapy, I get my social emotional things done online. Um, so we're investigating that right now too because uh that is a cost savings to members. Um, but the thing with that is members have to use it as well. So there's some learning curves there. So we're going to explore that. But uh right now we're sitting at about a 14.3% increase which is pretty common um throughout the
063state right now. It is what it is right now. So that's where we're at with insurance and we haven't made any final decision yet. So that'll be one of the next meetings. What do you think the likelihood is of the state passing this? >> John's here. He's been digging into that. Um, >> it's very insurance. >> It's very difficult because what'll happen is is that some of the larger school districts will probably make out. Some of the smaller districts are going to have to go up in cost. Um, so to offset that will be very difficult. My thing is is that we should have consortiums that look at how to do that in a in a smaller kind of context to be able to accommodate that. But to do a whole statewide one will be
064very difficult because what carrier is going to be used first of all? uh Mayo drives our overall insurance in this state in the first place. Uh which is very expensive. Um so they've been looking at it but it is starting to and John can attest he's been doing John there but uh um some of the groups are now starting to not look at maybe the statewide full breath of it. So >> Sure. >> Yeah. It becomes very complex and again it will probably hit smaller school districts but more of an expense. >> Yeah. So, I know >> you have anything to add to that, John? >> Um, yeah. I think at the moment it's just if something was to go through, who's going to be the one putting the bill? I know like for example,
065the districts obviously do not want to be the one paying the extra cost. Um, when we were talking to the senators, senators are like, "Yeah, but if it cost anything for the state, we don't want to pass this." So, >> what >> where's the money coming from? >> Yeah, they're very clear with that. the school district should pay for it >> for sure. >> So SC was not a good thing. >> No, good. >> So thanks John. He's been doing a lot of digging and research which has been helpful. You know, he keeps me updated on what he's finding out. So it's been helpful. So thanks John for doing that. >> All right. Facilities. >> Come on. >> And the last one. Go ahead. >> Uh met a couple weeks ago. Kevin was fairly new
066that week. um went through referendum stuff um just preparing for that. It was very short. I don't think we went through much more than that. >> Yeah, I think we just did some updates and got Kevin up to speed a little bit introduced in there and um but yeah, it was pretty low key just because we're waiting on too. >> Yeah, yeah, at the time it wasn't approved yet. So, >> all right, finance. >> Well, we've heard about the finance from Julie. That was our main one of our main topics was the revised budget. But um also of note, we spent a lot of time talking about sped. Um Shelley came to that meeting and gave a pretty good overview of that program and the some of the projected needs coming up for next year.
067As I wrote down, one of Julie's comments up here is that um SPE is always a work in progress and it's kind it's kind of frustrating and so it did make me appreciate Shel's work a bit more and all the sped teachers. Um but she just provided it out very well very well planned about some needs that we have particularly with some sped teachers needed as well as speech language pathologist some needs coming up so as well as some psychology stuff so or psychologist needs as well so good discussions but there's also time for >> thank you >> uh teaching and learning basically what we met about was what our work session was uh last that whole sheet that she went through is basically what we went through. So, there really isn't anything to update
068with that. Um, in QC comprom I was not at the meeting, but I'm sure Hillary was. >> Yeah, I was I don't have to be at all of those. So, I was not at that one, but >> I don't think John was there. I don't think anybody here. Thank you. >> It's a busy night. Okay. Well, thank you. >> Have John come up here? >> Huh? >> Should we have John come up here? >> No, he's doing really well there. an honorary board member tonight. Um, all right, that's it for committee updates. So, we'll move to new business. First up is going to be our donations. >> Be it resolved that the school board of independent school district number 2905 accept with appreciation the following donations and permit their use as designated by the donors.
069Allison and David Goolson, a percussion bell practice pad Montgomery 5 through8 band. Patric Patricia Osborne, $50 CE Special Olympics. Um, anonymous donor, $50 for the TCU Mnt kindergarten graduation robes. Montgomery Auto Repair, $200 for TCU Mnt kindergarten graduation robes. Montgomery Nights of Columbus, $200 for TCU MTN. >> What's that? >> Nothing. >> Oh, TCU Mnt kindergarten graduation robes. >> Kindergarten gets robes. That's >> one school had them and it caused a lot of problems. So my question is now do all three have them >> or are we just sitting at now the second >> Mnt stand for Montgomery >> Montgomery I would assume yes >> that might come up again >> I'll have to double check but it was supposed to cover our home so >> okay because now this will be a two out
070of three possibly all three >> more donations next year >> okay um all right so this is a resolution Josh introduced the resolution they need a second >> u Josh Bulky intro uce the resolution for our donations. Chris Vloic seconded. This would be a roll call vote. Cindy, >> yes. >> Trevor, >> yes. >> Marcia is a yes. >> Josh, >> yes. >> Chris, >> yes. >> And Susie, >> yes. >> Roll call vote has passed. 6 roll call vote. Um, revised budget. >> I just need a motion to approve the the revised budget as presented. >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second. Motion by Susie Rip, second by Josh Bucky to approve the 2526 rev revised budget. All those in favor? >> I. >> Those opposed? Motion has passed. 6. Um approving a
071junior high track coach or adding. So, we got more kids and >> yes, >> just to set it lightly, we have 150 some kids out for track and about >> I don't know, it's like 60 or 70 of those are middle school and they have two coaches. >> Wow. >> So, 77 junior high kids and 71 varsity tracks. >> Astronomical. >> That is amazing. So, it would be additional cost of 2200 bucks. >> Yep. >> Probably should have last. >> Does that work in our budget? Um, >> this is this is needed. I'll make a motion. >> Okay, I'll second. >> Uh, motion by Trevor Hol, second by Susie Rip to approve adding um an additional junior high track coach. All those in favor? >> Those opposed? Motion is passed. 6. >> I'll say if
072you ever want the chance, go watch track practice and see how many kids are out there. >> It's amazing. >> It is absolutely amazing. >> Girls made True State last year. It's one of our successful programs. Yep. Uh, I need a motion to adjurnn the meeting. >> I'll make a motion. >> I have a motion by Susie Rip, second by Josh Balky to adjourn the meeting at 5:57 p.m. All those in favor? >> Those opposed? Motion is passed. 6. Thank you everybody for attending. Um, also just one quick reminder for the board that we'll need everybody in attendance at our last meeting in April for the superintendent evaluation. So overall just session >> no at the end we'll have to do it during a regular board meeting. Y >> So we got to do it
073in regular session. So it would be the end of April. So it's not it's not next meeting. It's it's a week after or two weeks after. So the