LPA School Board Meeting

001[clears throat] >> Okay, let's call the meeting of Lake Park Audubon School Board to order. Let's start with roll call. Megan? >> Here. >> Marge is not here. Cole? >> Here. >> Aaron? >> Here. >> Jade? >> Here. >> Sarah is not here. Susan here. Let's all rise 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. Uh 1.4, can I get an approval of the agenda? >> Motion. >> Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? Any discussion? Agenda is approved. Uh 2.1, recognition of visitors to the board meeting. Lake Park Audubon Public Schools welcome all attendees at our LPA Board Meeting of of Education

002meeting. While this gathering is a public meeting, it is essential to clarify that this meeting for the is for the board to conduct business. In our commitment to transparency and fostering goodwill, the LPA Board of Education invites members of the public to share their thoughts. We kindly request that public comments be expressed in a civil, courteous, and thoughtful manner. Any disparaging remarks directed towards board members, employees, or community members of the Lake Park Audubon School District will not be tolerated. To ensure a balanced and efficient efficient session, the public comment period is limited to 30 minutes with each speaker allotted a maximum of 3 minutes. We kindly ask each individual speaker to state their name and address before presenting their comments. During this meeting, board members and administration will not respond [snorts] to comments. We

003appreciate your cooperation and thank you for the support of the students at LPA. And we do have one tonight, Cassandra Breger. >> Breger. >> But that's okay. Thank you. So, I'll pass this around. Take one down, pass it around. I just thought I'd come tonight and share a little positivity of our great year we had again in the booster club. I gave a presentation last year and we'll start at the top. So, our membership is pretty much the same as last year. We're up one from last year. We had slightly fewer new members, slightly more renewals than we did last year. So, we're we're pretty solid at a total of 39. Um our officers last year were um I was president. Uh Liz Hagood was vice president, Candace Moledo treasurer, Steph Pagel secretary. Candace Moledo

004also designs and orders our Raider gear that we opened it up this year to a student design competition, which was fun. Chloe Johnson and Harper Harper Pavlackey designed some shirts and won the contest for next year. So, in the fall they'll get some free shirts for themselves and we'll get to run their designs. Steph Pagel does a great job of running football concessions. Tasha Erickson does a fantastic job for advertising and social media. Next year, our leadership will be the same. So, everybody that had stepped up last year is stepping up again this year and has been voted in. You can see what some of our major fundraisers are. We got a couple new ones coming up with next year. We'll talk about that in a minute. If you want to flip the paper over,

005we donated over $15,000 this last year alone towards things like a football end zone camera, um, Raider field day shirts or LPA field day shirts for elementary kids, which they earned by selling wreaths, um, some new bats for the softball team. The we sent the baseball kids to a Twins game down in the cities, sent helped send Chloe Johnson to Australia for track, helped send our track and field athletes to the state tournament, and helped Kaden Mattson get to our All-Star game in Mankato. So, those are just some of the highlights. Oh, and the trap team also to a conference tournament in Bemidji. This next year we're planning to partner with the football team for our golf scramble in August. Typically, the football team puts this on, but PJ asked for a little extra help

006and we're happy to pitch in. We're super excited about that. There will be an opportunity to win $10,000 for a hole-in-one, if you can hit a hole-in-one, which is crazy, $10,000. So, we're excited about that. We're also planning purse bingo and a gun raffle in February, which are huge fundraisers in other districts, so um, those will be good fundraisers for the next year as well. And we typically meet at the high school commons on Sunday nights during open gym, which is 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday nights. The only requirement is to have a sincere interest in supporting the students of our school district. You don't have to be a parent or guardian of an athlete to join. So, as much as we have a solid membership and solid leadership, we're always looking for new

007leaders, especially the parents, um, and new members, especially the parents of younger kids, cuz we want to be forward-thinking and like continue this group on. And as much as I'm not representing Friends of the Fine Arts tonight, I also want to put in a plug for that because Friends of the Fine Arts is a smaller organization. They really need help. They could use more members, more active members. And so if you're interested, if anybody is listening out there and they're interested in the Booster Club or Friends of the Fine Arts, can talk to me. Friends of the Fine Arts, you can also talk to Shawna Back, your art teacher. Kids' art teacher, I should say. Um kids' band, choir teacher, kids' speech um coach or their What am I forgetting? Drama, theater advisors, that sort

008of thing. So, anyway. And I know I've heard in these meetings that you know, it takes a village to raise a child. We need volunteers. I assure you, we're out there. And we're helping out the community and but we could always use more. So, there you go. >> Nice job, yeah. Really great job, Cassie. >> Yep. >> I I really enjoy seeing you at a lot of your district events. >> Yes. Same goes to you and all of you out there at events, so. Thanks again for all you do. >> Thank you for coming tonight. >> Yep. >> Okay, we have no board reports. We move on to the consent agenda. Can I get a mover for the consent agenda? >> Motion. >> Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? Any discussion?

009The consent agenda is approved. Uh we'll highlight the 4.4 contract approvals. We have Brandon Johnson in special education at the elementary, Jenny Browning 0.5 Win Elementary, Jackie Godfrey 0.5 Win Elementary, Mason Johnson sixth grade L1 S3. PJ Peterson head coach contract, Joe Conrad assistant varsity coach contract, Brandon Johnson assistant varsity assistant varsity coach contract. Connor Wessel junior high football coach contract. Rob Schwartz junior high volunteer assistant. Luka Beske volunteer junior high varsity assistant. Hannah Mohler visual arts advisor step one 25-26 school year. David Bakke assistant coach wrestling. And then we move on to 4.5 resignation and retirement. We have Stephanie Schindler elementary paraprofessional. Kinsley Tarman head coach cross country. Eric Peterson assistant coach wrestling and football. And Arthur Meyer high school principal. Thank you all for continuing to stay on and thank you for the

010time that the ones that are leaving us that served with us. Um 5.0 recognitions. We have donations. Got that up? Yep, I got it. Uh can I get a motion to accept the donations and grants? >> Motion. >> Okay, can I get a second? >> Second. >> And then I'll read through. Uh resolution accepting donations and grants. Whereas Minnesota statutes 123B.02 subdivision six provides the board may receive for the benefit of the district request, donations, or gifts for any proper purpose and apply the same to the purpose designated. And in the behalf the board may act as a trustee of any trust created to provide pupils of the district with advanced education after completion of high school and the advancement of education and whereas Minnesota statutes 465.03 provides any city, country, school district, or town

011may accept a grant or devise of of real or personal property and maintain such property on the benefit of its citizens in accordance with the terms prescribed by the donor. Nothing herein shall authorize such acceptance for use for religious or sectarian and Every such acceptance shall be by resolution of the governing body adopted by a 2/3 majority of its members expressing such terms in full. And whereas such Every such exception shall be a resolution of the governing body adopted by 2/3 majority of its members expressing such terms in full. Therefore, it be resolved that the school board of Lake Park Audubon School District number 2889 gratefully accepts the following donations as identified [clears throat] below. And we'd like to start by saying thank you for your generosity. We very much appreciate the support of our

012district staff and students. Uh in day of caring, we have Mary Nedum for $25, Miriam or David Spaniers for $150, Lavonne Selberg for $50, Calvin and Barbara Maslow $50, Dean Hendrickson $100, Carol Huesman $25, Mary Erickson $100, Debra Hayes $50, Terry and Susan Johnson $50. In the trap team, we have Greater Booster Club for $1,500, Bearhills Resort for $750, Whitetails Unlimited Incorporated for $830. On fishing team sponsors sponsorship, we have S Masson Vet Service DBA RX Vet Service at $100, Lakes Community Cooperative $250, Wagner Insurance Agency at $100, Moore Engineering at $500, KLN Enterprises at $500, and BTD at $250. Uh again for fishing. In miscellaneous, we have Audubon Community Network at $240 for NHS, uh Esco Evange- Evange- Evangelical for $4,770 for school readiness fee, uh Michael and Kelly Arthur $50 Raider Care, Cormorant

013Lake Sportsman's Club at $500 BPA. Uh any discussion? Any discussion? Okay, we'll do a roll call vote on accepting it. Megan? >> Approve. >> Vote on approving it. Yes, on accepting it. >> Okay, yes. >> So, I or nay? >> I. >> Cole? >> Yeah, I. >> Uh I Erin? >> I. >> Uh Jade? >> I. >> Susan, I. The eyes have it. The vote of the adoption of resolution was uh 1 2 5 eyes uh 0 nays, whereas the resolution was declared >> And I'm sure I think we need to go back to the consent agenda. I don't think we had a vote on that. We had >> I did have a vote on the consent agenda. Motion and a second. Motion and a second. >> Okay, so we'll go back to >> to

014that. >> On the consent agenda, can I uh any >> We had the motion and the second. We just need a roll call vote. >> Okay, so we'll do a roll call vote on the consent agenda. >> Any discussion? >> Three times. >> Any discussion? >> We're talking about contract approval. >> Any discussion? >> I vote >> I did the contract approvals, I did the resignations. I just have to have the consent agenda approved before I continue to move on. Um I will do a roll call vote on the consent agenda. Megan? >> I. >> Cole? >> I. >> Erin? >> I. >> Jade? >> I. >> Susan, and the consent agenda passes. And the resignation retirement stream maybe I mean the donations to name it. Do that again then or am I good? >>

015No, Madam Chair, I do I do want to mention that I really really appreciate all the donations. Wow, that's incredible. Just an absolutely incredible for our students. And I do want to mention also the people that um retired resigned, thank you for their service to LP school district. And good luck in their future endeavors. Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Okay, then we move no old business, so we're on to new business. 7.1 annual appeal approval of EDI M access for Dr. Randall Berkowitz. >> Yes, ma'am chair. This happens every year. Um Basically, in a nutshell, um I have to go in there. We have to have a resolution that I sent to the state. Sorry, Nicole. Can you see me okay? >> Yep. Yep. >> And basically, it gives me access so I can

016um assign individuals like Sherry or like Agassi or preschool. I have to go in and assign them. And the Minnesota Department of Education um has been really been tough working with us the last couple months. They've had some my email wrong and so I need to go in and do some things before the end of June, June 30th. Um so, as soon as we get that resolution, I'll send it in to MDE and hopefully they'll give me access. So, that's it. It's standard for all superintendents in public schools. >> We still vote on it. >> Correct, ma'am chair. >> Okay. >> Did you get the update food service? >> Did I get the what? >> Update food service. >> [clears throat] >> Update food service. What are you talking about? >> Right above the EDIAM.

017>> Nope. Can >> I'll refresh it. >> Okay. >> That's above it, right? The food service. >> Yeah. It's on here. Yeah. >> Okay. We can do that afterwards. No worries. >> Okay, I'm going to Can I do the 7.2 first then? >> Yes, ma'am. Okay, ma'am chair. >> Um okay, can I get a motion to approve the annual e approve annual approval of EDIAM access for Dr. Berquist. Can I get a motion? >> Motion. >> Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? Any discussion? Any discussion? The approval for EDIAM access for Dr. Berquist is approved. Okay, 7.1 update food service prices for 26-27 school year. >> Yes, Madam Chair. I I met with Christie Krueger. I met with Christie and and Mandy Amanda over at in Audubon and we decided we

018have not raised prices for a number of a couple of years. And so if we look at uh um the peanut butter and jelly sandwich for example, I can't remember which one of it was raspberry or straw one of them is more popular than the other one and that we only charge $0.75 for it, but we pay $0.94 and $0.96 for it. So this is just a small increase that we would like to see. Um and then milk seconds stay at $0.50. Um so it's not a huge increase, but uh we'd like to consider that. We don't want to lose money on on the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and the we want to get more of the popular one. I can't remember if it's raspberry, whichever one it is, but we don't want to

019charge $0.75 when it costs us like $0.96. >> Raspberry ones are better. >> Yeah, I think it's the raspberry one the kids really like. >> Can I get a mo- motion to update the food service prices for 26-27 school year? >> Makeable. >> Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? Any discussion? Motion is approved. Oh uh Yeah, it screwed me up because this was I log in to put my my computer here hours ahead of time so I can't update right at the end because of my job. Um can I'll do a roll I'll do if you're in favor of it say I, all those opposed say nay. Megan? >> I. >> Paul? >> I. >> Aaron? >> I. >> Jade? >> I. >> Susan? Uh I have it. The motion

020is approved for updating the food service prices for the 26-27 school year. >> And we do need to vote on the 7.2. We didn't Do we need to do roll call for that? >> I think I did I did So, we >> a second then I Okay, so Great. Did we do the vote? one on the EDI I am? I think I did. >> I think we voted on that one. >> I think I did. >> No, we didn't. >> On the EDI I am? On the EDI I am? Oh, [clears throat] thank you. I'm sorry. Thank >> Okay, so Can I get a Well, let's just start at the again then. Two Can I get a motion to approve the annual EDI I am access for Dr. Dr. Randall Burquest? >> Megan did it.

021>> I second. >> Okay, we'll do a roll call motion. Megan? >> I. >> Nicole? >> I. >> Karen? >> I. >> Jane? >> I. >> Susan? Uh I. The eyes have it. The annual approval approval for the EDI I am access for Dr. Randall Burquest is approved. 7.3 Lakes Country Service Cooperative Agreement. >> Yes, Madam Chair. That's something the Lakes Country Service Coop I helps us with uh health and safety. We have an individual that comes out here. Um it's pretty standard. Um we can use our LTFM money long-term facilities maintenance money to offset the cost of that. Uh we've done it Most districts belong to some sort of consortium. Lakes Lakes Country Service Cooperative. So, just asking, you know, they sent a signature page, but I didn't want to sign it without getting

022approval from the board first. So, like for example, when the fire marshal or whatever comes in, they'll be here to support us and let us know on things. And honestly, um with some of the changes that will be happening um um Well, this is a membership, but some of the changes will be happening administratively. Uh I have been communicating with that individual. We have a meeting set up coming up in July where we're going to put together a number of items that we need to take a look at. So, >> [clears throat] >> Does our CTE um resource himself with them as well? >> Yes. >> Correct. >> Did it go up at all since last year or is it the same? >> Um it's based on student numbers. >> Okay. >> go back >>

023Yep. >> or back down? Um So, uh it's going to it's going to be lower because our student count is Um, >> It's lower. >> So it's $75 per student and our student count is 622. >> Yes. And last year I think it was based on a higher number. So it it it would have gone down. Yeah. Yes. >> Cost per student same. >> Yeah, the $1.75. Yes. >> Can I get a motion for 7.3 to approve Lakes Country Service Cooperative Agreement? >> Yep. I'll make a motion. >> Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? [clears throat] Any discussion? All those in favor say "Aye". All those opposed say "Nay". >> Aye. >> Paul? >> Aye. >> Uh, Aaron? >> Aye. >> Jade? >> Aye. >> Susan? Aye. The ayes have

024it. Lakes Country Service Cooperative Agreement is approved. Uh, 7.4 resolution establishing dates for the filing of affidavits of candidacy. >> Oh, I'm sorry, Madam Chair. This is for a school board? >> Yes, correct. For school board, I think there's about 13 or 14 days and I want to give a lot of credit to Sherry for um, taking over a lot of things with Susan gone. Susan, give her credit, too. She's helping part-time. A few hours here and there just to make sure that we're staying what we're supposed to be doing. But Sherry went to I think it was a 4-hour training the other night, two or four hours and she's got some more trainings coming up. Um, but we have to do this. You'll probably notice a lot of school districts are doing that. We

025do I believe have four individuals up for re-election. Um, it's Cole, Aaron, Sarah and Susan. So those four individuals are out. So, and when you decide you want to run for school board, I think it's like a $2 charge to come to the district office, but you only have I think like 2 weeks time period to file for that. So, Did I answer your question, Cole? >> Nope, that's it. >> Yeah, okay. Yeah. >> Do you need me to read this resolution? >> I was told yes. >> Okay. >> Please. >> Pass it first. Does it need to be passed? >> No, it reads >> A resolution establishing days for filing filing filing affidavits of candidacy. Be it resolved that the school board of the Independent School District number 2889 as follows. The period for

026filing affidavits of candidacy for the office of school board member of the Independent School District number 2889 shall begin on July 14th, 2026 and shall close on July 28th, 2026. The affidavit of candidacy must be filed in the office of the school district clerk and the $2 filing fee paid prior to 5:00 p.m. on July 28th, 2026. The clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause notice of said filing days to be published in the official newspaper of the district at least 2 weeks prior to the first day of the to file affidavits of candidacy. The clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause notice of said filing days to be posted at the administrative administrative offices of the school district at least 10 days prior to the first day of the file affidavits of

027candidacy. The notice of said filing shall be substantial substantially the following form. Notice of filing dates for election of the school board Independent School District number 2889, Lake Park-Audubon Public School, Lake Park, Minnesota. Notice is hereby given that the period of the filing affidavit the the period for filing affidavits of candidacy for the office of school board member of Independent School District number 2889 shall begin on July 14th, 2026 and shall close at 5:00 p.m. on July 28th, 2026. The general election shall be held on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026 at the election. Four members will be elected to the school board for the terms of 4 years each. Affidavit of candidacy are available from the school district clerk, P.O. Box 479, Lake Park, Minnesota 56554. The filing fee for the office is $2. Candidate for

028this office must have been a resident in the school district from which the candidate seeks election for the 30 days before the general election. It must have no other affidavit on file for any other office at the same general election. The affidavit of candidacy must be filed in the office of the school district clerk and the filing fee paid prior to 5:00 p.m. on July 28th, 2026 by the order of the school board. Can I get a motion to approve the resolution resolution accepting days for filing affidavit of candidacy? >> I'll make a motion. >> Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? Any discussion? Any discussion? >> Can I just say that I feel like I'm just getting started and I hope everyone reapplies. So that we can continue on to

029work together as a team cuz it takes a learning curve, you know? I feel like folks know where we are. >> So it does take a while to does take a while to get the hang of it. >> Uh Any other discussion? I said it three times. Uh Okay, all those in favor say I. All those opposed say nay. >> I. >> Okay, the eyes have it. Resolution accepting days for filing affidavit of candidacy passes. Okay, 7.5 activity director, activity building grounds, activity transportation, and summer rec position. >> Yes, Madam Chair. Um you might recall I we advertised this position. I'm going to say it's pretty close to 3 weeks or maybe longer. I mean, don't quote me on the days. It was a number of days. We advertised this position. Um When we advertised

030it, I put it at 55 to approximately 70 some thousand 75,000. Um this position I I'm very transparent, so I have nothing to hide. I have put together a committee of individuals that I thought would be doing a good job on this committee and and they did. We had um very few applicants and I would advertise it externally longer than internally. Um we did narrow our candidates down. Um we narrowed it down to three. We interviewed two. Um one didn't show up. Um it was unanimous decision that we hire Landon Schultz. And my proposal would be to do for 1 year. And this position itself let me explain this position. Okay? We have we really down to four administrators. Okay? I'm not talking technology now. Let's pull technology out there. You have myself as a

031superintendent. Well, Mr. Meyer has left, so we have to make a decision on the next time or in the next I think it's the next one on the principal position. >> points. >> Yeah. Um this position itself and then Ryan Johnson the elementary principal. Now, Mr. Meyer um congratulations to Mr. Meyer on his position. I think he'll do a really nice job. Um that just just happened recently, right? And you know, I wanted to make sure that was on this agenda tonight that it was approved and everything else. Um so, this position of would be that we're asking for Landon to do this would involve the activities athletic director portion of it. The building and grounds would be the grounds with athletic stuff. The theater, the gyms in both Lake Park and Audubon schools. Now,

032this will be a I'm proposing a one-year contract. I would be in charge of this person. There'll be three evaluations done on this person or on this position here. And the other components, the the custodial staff, I will absorb that. I will meet with the custodial staff once a week. Um the building and grounds part, I will absorb what needs to be fixed in our buildings. I will work with a company that I know. I won't We won't pay this company just so we can have an outline of what we need to fix this coming school year and where we're going to allocate some money. Um so, this person's position will be responsible for everything else re- regarding athletics and um extracurricular activities. Also, summer rec. Summer rec, you might recall, is during the summer,

033of course. Um and you'll see tonight when Janetta presents, and I see that she's on here, our our community ed fund is very much in the hole. Um yeah, so I I think I've explained everything. Um are there any questions, comments, suggestions? What would you like to know? >> I would like to >> point out for those listening that with adding this activity director position, it's not the same position that was prior. >> Correct. >> So, in order to make it through this next year, we took it and put together three different avenues. So, the uh two other parts of the activities director position were taken away and are absorbed somewhere else, and then we added on the transportation and the building and grounds. >> Right. And the transportation itself will just be for extracurriculars,

034right? >> Yep. >> Um I in my superintendent report, which I don't have listed down, I'll talk a little bit about transportation at the end. Unless you want me to say something now. Um But the bottom line is you know, I would like to talk a little bit at the end about a referendum, but it it really goes to show that we've cut administration. Right? We don't currently have three principals right now. And um you know, everybody's stepping up. And then and everybody's stepping up. That includes me, too. Right? I'm going to have to take on more things. Sherry's already done taken She's taking on more things. I was in Audubon for half a day today. Barbara is doing a great job taking on more things. So everybody has to step up in the world

035we live in today and in where our district is at financially. So yes, it's not a full-time AD position, Madam Chair. Okay, thank you. >> So this current role we're going to have more expectations, more responsibility in this role than that current previous position was. >> Yes, that would be true. >> We're expecting more out of this position than what the position last was asked for. Okay. >> That is true, Jane. >> It has more components to it. >> I I I guess maybe if I can add um I'm going to meet with this person quite a bit. All right? And I'm not saying I'm an expert, right? But I will meet with this person so that this person and I are on the same page when it comes to things. Um we're going to

036have to work very closely together. As a matter of fact, the other two principals, myself, and Landon, we got to work very closely because we have and I'm I'm for this, we've had significantly reduced administration. Right? Mr. Johnson's willing to pick up community ed preschool stuff. So everybody's picking up different things if you decide to go to this route. >> So the current role that this was cut >> Yes. >> included other responsibilities, which was outside of the activities director role. >> They were I believe they were tacked on several years ago. >> So, there was additional responsibilities. >> And we're going to absorb those. I think we had to What were we going to >> Okay. So, there was different roles, which I understood from our last meeting that >> was one. >> Yeah,

037and nobody could explain what that was. So, that position had a student success position, which nobody can tell us what that what what was being done. >> Uh we were told that they uh the activities director walked around the lunch room and chatted and >> Okay. >> encouraged children students >> It's seven mindsets. >> Yeah, seven mindsets was another one. I was just going to say that. >> also there was some >> Seven mindsets was >> The social emotional thing. We're not going to renew it because it was $14,000. >> But seven mindsets was it really what it was 2 years ago this past year, correct? So, that role again was doing >> Yeah, I'm not sure what it was 2 years ago, but this past year 2 years ago we paid $14,000. I told

038them I would do a pilot program this year, and I we didn't pay $14,000. So, we're not going to use it. We're going to work try to find something where we're going to incorporate a free curriculum into the classroom. Classrooms, excuse me. >> My other question is that role that we cut, what was the uh salary? >> The role of the activities director? >> Yes, director. >> The role That was $57,000, and that included or that would also add on to that supervision of approximately $2 to $3,000 in the evening. There's also head golf and head uh basketball. I would propose that if you board wants to do this, I would like to find a different head golf coach. But did I say head golf or did I say something else? >> I think you

039said of >> Yeah, head golf and head basketball. >> Basketball. >> I would propose that we don't do head golf for this position. >> roles were in addition to what that salary was. >> Correct. So >> So those coaching positions are still going to be an expense to the district. >> Correct. >> Okay. So that role in the past was 57,000. >> Yeah, plus about maybe two or three thousand extra for supervision. What we have done in this district >> the supervision will be >> Absolutely. >> Yes, what I'd like Yes. I don't think we should be paying admin supervision money. So when we go to a football game, I I just go. Right, we just we just go. And I I think myself, Landon and the principals need to be there. We need to

040have an administrator at every extra >> need to set up a rotation. >> Correct. >> We need to Yes, we need to set up a rotation, but I'm going to go to the game. You need to pay me. We don't need to pay the administrators. I think it's just something that they should do. >> And we accounted for that in our cost savings, did we not? >> You mean >> Not paying for >> Did we take that into account when we did our savings of >> What? Our budget? >> I don't think so. >> No, we did not. >> is this is >> proposed as an idea. >> But Jaden, that's just what the administrator There was other costs That was just what In this case, Landon's two to three thousand dollars. We also had

041other costs and some teachers and administrators that >> Were we paying Were we paying principals when they >> Yes. >> do. So that's So it's going to be more than that two thousand dollars. >> It's probably looking at close to six thousand dollars savings >> in assigning >> Correct. >> doing other duties as assigned. >> Yes, other duties as assigned. Does that answer the question, guys? >> Does anybody have >> And this is moving to a 12-month position as opposed to a >> Yep. >> 10-month position. >> Cuz the other one took 10 months, right? It's the 9-month >> Yeah, well, technically, but my understanding is, you know, in this case, Landon's been in this month, which I assume is part of before. Yeah, it's probably 10 and 1/2 months in the past, but this

042is a 12-month position. Yes, correct. And another thing, too, sorry to interrupt, is we need to think outside the box. As an activities director, building grounds maintenance, transportation person, you don't necessarily have to come in at 7:45, right? So, there will be no overtime or anything like that. If you have a um if you have to supervise a >> You have the double header on a >> Yes. >> Thursday night. >> You can come in at 9:30 or 10, right? As long as you put in your time um and then and then some, cuz it's not by the hour. So, >> now we're we're we're we're at 57k in the past. Responsibilities were near not near as many, but we're looking at adding to a salary considerably when we're looking at doing a cut. I

043mean, we're talking a $25,000 increase. I don't >> Well, let's say let's say 60,000 because he's getting that additional >> Well, 57,000. >> Well, right. So, let's say 60 and now you're increasing it from 10 months to 12. >> role were to remain, if that role wasn't cut, that three grand's gone cuz we're not going to pay for that extracurricular supervision next year, correct? So, we can't really take that into consideration. I mean, we we again, we got to strap on our boots. We got to look for cuts. And if we're going to add back a position, there's no reason why we should be looking at putting 20 I mean, we're giving up 50 from 57 to $72,000 that position. That's significant. >> That's like 300 extra a month. >> Significant. >> Yeah, but we're

044also adding 2 months worth of work to it, too. Here's the deal, I'll be honest. For $72,000, what this job entails, I wouldn't apply for it. >> Well, here where we're at it, it's not our responsibility to make that decision as personnel to whether or not we want to do this. It's our job as a board to cut expenses for the district. >> It has a lot about it that it Well, we actually have low turnout. Randy said it. >> Well, well, let's do this. Let's do this. If we had low turnout and we're willing to pay 70-plus thousand dollars, let's change that ad to not scare people off at 55. Let's go out and say, "We're willing to pay it." Obviously, we're willing to pay $72,000. So, then why don't we to advertise it

045for a $72,000 less? >> I did. I had a range. From 55. >> Yeah, 55 to 75. >> majority see that 55 and they're like, "Yeah, well, what's the chances of being a high size? Usually the low side." So, if we're willing to spend $72,000 and we put a $55,000 as a low salary, I think we we probably short ourselves immediately right there. >> Well, I I'd like to say this. Usually when you would see the the wage range, it's due to somebody's experience. So, somebody that has low experience or just coming in and they're new to a job would be the $55,000 you started out at. And you said you put it to $75,000. >> think it was 75. >> And although there is a price increase here, which does is hard to see

046with our next year coming up, we do are not spending areas in areas of money in other administration that we are asking this individual >> So, >> to carry us. >> Big part of that's going to be And right now, we have a full-time, correct me if I'm wrong, transportation or dead or due retirement and full-time building grounds. >> But the activities director position, what did it It did it start end June 30th? >> Yep. All these Well, yeah, June 30th, all these position all contracts end June 30th. >> Yep. >> Yes, they did. >> So, would the building and grounds be done June 30th as well? So, then it as of July 1st, would they be rolling over into everything else? So, we were That's the only reason this came back up is because

047the gaps. And we thought, "Hey, let's try to make it work." But, we can't risk the success of our district and the kids. >> Yeah. I very important role. >> Yep. It I mean, it >> if we're just going to say, "Well, we're going to have to make do." Um we need to look at cuts. And I I'm I I we're on the high side of it. From what I see that role, it's probably a 50/50 now. Is that what we're thinking? 50 activities. >> No, and the and the rest of it >> Um is my 25? >> Yeah. Remember I put together a job description, um and I can't remember what the what the breakdown was. >> Yep. >> But, whether it's Landon or me or Mrs. Frank or anybody in this district, we

048need to all step up. >> Absolutely. >> And but you know something? This is a one-year contract, right? And if it doesn't work out for Landon, >> Yep. >> I know as myself as a superintendent, you guys have every right to cut the superintendent's position 50% or whatever it is, right? Cuz we have to You're right, Jay. >> We have to cut. >> We have to make cuts. >> We have to cut. >> The positive thing And and I do think we should go up for referendum, right? But, the positive thing is and I said this in an interview, we are administratively top-heavy. >> Yes. >> We have decreased in administration, right? We we really have. When you think about it. >> We have very much made cuts in administration. And with this being a

049one-year contract, and I'll I get I would guess in other districts, and I haven't pulled them all up. I did look at I did look at activities director a while ago in other districts, but I would guess that they're not actually doing the building and grounds and the transport activity transportation summer rec position in there as well. So, we are asking although I was on board to cut this in the very beginning, and although we had to pull it back, we are asking a lot from this individual, so I can see >> We have very little experience. >> I can see maybe in the in the other areas. >> better than 50% of the And there can be argument that there's been shortfalls in the previous situation, too, which tells me that we're not real

050experienced there, either, cuz we have had shortfalls. So, now we're looking at increasing the salary by 25,000, increasing the responsibility 25,000 years. >> Yeah, we we >> 55, and then we're at we're at 56. We're at 57 to 72. >> So, it's 15,000, and then you get a year. >> But again, again, we're not paying that supervision. So, I I say 60, so I see 12 grand. Yeah, we're saving We no longer have a community at you know, that part-time is gone. We no longer have a building and grounds director. We no longer have head of transportation. I mean, there's been significant thing cuts. And Yeah, I'm just going to say this job, no matter who takes it, no matter who's had it in the past, I don't care what school district you go into,

051as an athletic director activity, excuse me, activities director, you're going to ask you're going to ask 30% of the people in that district going to say, "That person is not doing a good enough job." Or this person drops the ball. This is This is a job that is unattainable to please everyone. >> It is. But I don't At this point, where we're at with this situation, we're we're not worried about how that's going to get We got to cut. Or else So, year we're going to be sitting at this table even hard-more difficult and we could be an SOD. >> We will be doing our cuts. What I would like to say is Dr. Berkowitz came to us and said he needed this position. We put it out there. We said, "Okay, let's let's open

052it up for applications." And this is who he is presenting to us to be approved. So, that's what we have on the agenda today. >> Madam Chair, I am transparent honest. I I would be happy to say how many people applied. We all looked at the con- at the application materials, right? I don't know if I want to say that over a line, but I'd be happy to let you know. We did our due diligence. Look, we advertised it on Indeed, all right? We went out there externally probably two or three more days, right? People sometimes the work ethic for people nowadays, in my opinion, isn't as good as it was, say, 20 years ago or 10 or 15 years ago. The bottom line is I'm going to tell you this, there's going to be

053a lot of work on Landa, but guess what? There's going to be a lot of work for me, too, right? And I'm not afraid I I I love the kids in this I like this district. I love the kids in this district, right? You don't think that I'm going to have to help mentor this person and maybe the principal as well, too? I'm not saying I'm an expert, right? I'm I've never professed that. Just got a lot of experience in education. I want to do what's right for the kids. Yeah, there might be some concerns we hire him or her or that position or this position, but the bottom line is it's almost July 1st. If the board wants me to go back and advertise, I'll do whatever the board wants, right? And the good

054thing about living in America, right, is that we can agree to disagree. You can vote how you want to vote. If you vote yes, that's fine. If you vote no, that's fine. I'm not going to hold a grudge against you flipping voted no or voted yes. I'm not going to do that. You vote and I'll do I'll work. That's what it is, right? >> I think at some point, too, we got to take We got to take Dr. Burpee's word on this. And if there was you know, the best applicant the best applicant won, I mean, he's not presenting us with We don't want to step in and jump >> I'm not favoring anybody. I will tell you we had very few applicants. I'll show you all the materials We have to keep >> We

055don't. >> We have to keep application materials on file for 1 year. And I don't know if that's been done in the past, but it's being done now. >> We don't need that at all. We trust you. Um can we open this up to getting a motion for activity instructor, activity building and grounds, activity transportation transportation and summer rec position? Can I get a motion? I'll make a motion. Can I get a second? I'll second. Can any discussion? What an open up if you have any more discussion? >> If this role is going to be at that, we got to be more responsible with what you just I mean, there is a value if if if this role is what this is going to be entitled, there's going to be a huge learning curve. And

056that responsibility is going to fall on our superintendent who is already completely overwhelmed. So, nothing changes. Nothing changes. Other than the fact that we know what we know. Why are we giving the high side of the salary? This is a situation where we are green. And if you're concerned about a three grand, okay, bump from 50 55 or whatever or 57, let's move it to 60. He's flat. He's going to be in a learning curve. And you know what? It looks good on the resume. The district needs to be financially responsible. We can't just go willy-nilly giving a high end of a salary when 50% 60% of the the goal or the title has no idea. No we don't we're not rehearsed in it. We don't have any experience in it. >> Doesn't have experience

057in other schools. >> Yes, it's and and it's going to fall back on our superintendent in which I understand everyone's concerned about that. But this does not fix that problem. >> I think flat I think flat would mean though like with the add-on of the two additional months like if like to stay at a flat rate then that would bring that up to 68,400. So really that is a lot closer to that hundred dollars. I mean and I know we want to be competitive with our pay too as hard and as broke as we are and across the state like I don't think that's high. I think the high end is more like 85,000. >> But right now we we can't just jump into it. I mean we got to work our way to that.

058So first we have to be disciplined on the front end so then we can reward them on the back end. And we are going to have >> pay for our positions. Glenn and also has experience with the corporate sponsorship too. >> That's that's another 35 36,000 dollars. >> he does a lot of footwork for that too. >> That'll happen anyway whoever's in this position. I think it might be easier to use his Rolodex than trying to find my Rolodex. I don't >> Just as a reminder, okay? Um I'll say this. We've had a We've been I've been working with a couple bus companies to figure out about transportation, right? Uh one of our companies said they would be hybrid for 50,000 dollars. And they would come maybe once maybe twice a month. I said no.

059That was like three months ago. We have another bus company that I just communi- communicate with. We had some meetings and stuff. I just thought let's absorb the transportation. I have an individual who's willing to help out, get paid something. That's going to be a significant savings from this. So, when you think about this, really the three positions of AD, building, and it Whoever this Whoever's in this position, it's activities [clears throat] director, building and grounds, and transportation. You have three people in one, right? I myself I'm not getting a raise, right? Granted, superintendents make more than other people. I'm going to help absorb some of that stuff. Just because I want it to succeed. I'm not expecting more pay or anything like that. So, myself, whoever's in this position, whoever's the principal, Mr. Johnson,

060are all going to have to step up and we're going to have to work together. >> Let me clarify that. That was activity director and activity building and grounds and activity transportation. So, it's not just the whole building and grounds and the whole transportation. >> Yeah, yes, correct. >> And the summer wreck position. >> Well, the other the other part of that, I'll take on. >> Yep. >> So. >> We just can't let you take on too much. >> I understand. Yeah. >> Okay. Any other discussion? Third time just cuz I Any other discussion? Okay, we're going to do a roll call vote on this. All those in favor say I. All those opposed say nay. Megan. >> I. >> Cole. >> I. >> Erin. >> I. >> Jed. >> Nay. >> Susan. >> I.

061The eyes have it. Activity director, activity building grounds, activity transportation, summer wreck position is approved. 7.6 7-12 principal position. >> Madam Chair, we have three principals. Mr. Meyer has resigned to take a different position. We currently have Mrs. Zick on an MOU for 1 year. Remember, that was signed I don't know, April, May. Um I have communicated with Mrs. Zick and she would like to be the 7th through 12th grade principal, okay? Um and um you know, we probably would I just I want to bring that forward and say, yep, we can go down to two principals now. We'd have Mr. Johnson pre- preschool through 6th grade along with summer rec. We'll have Mrs. Zick do 7th through 12th grade principal, plus she would she's really would really like to >> facilitate the online >>

062Yes, she is Yes. I've met with her a number of times in the last couple weeks. Um and we're excited to keep to move forward on that. She will do the online and then I will be here to help with anything else at the 7th through 12th building. I'll still get over to Audubon um when I can, um but we will it's a showing that we're going to from three principals down to two principals. >> So, we are not administrative heavy. Which was a loud and clear message from our community. >> Yes, it wasn't very much so, Megan, correct. But so, the option really is if you want to keep Mrs. Zick on an MOU and hire a principal, but then we're spending more money. You know, one of the things you could look at

063the increase for the planning, right? You can say, well, one of the things is technically, we're going to save it's going to cost us money for planning, but with Mr. Myers' exit, we will probably be able to save a little bit of money when you combine two principals and an AD down to two positions. I If the board wants to do that, we need to set up a negotiation session with Mrs. Zick um so that we are paying um according to the pay equity and things like that. >> I'll make a motion to >> So, a >> open negotiations with Mrs. Zick. >> Okay, can I get a second, please? >> Any >> Can I ask a question? >> Right after. >> After? >> Oh, yeah. >> What'd you say? >> I was going to

064get if I have a motion and get a second and then I'll >> Okay, got it. Sorry. >> Does anybody have a second? Okay, do you have a question? >> Yeah, well, I'm just curious like cuz I don't know. So, excuse me for just not knowing like what the principal position like when she was brought on did it have more focus like the age or grades or that she was in middle school principal. >> Right. So, that's what I'm just wondering if that was like a strength of her skills or anything or >> She has a K-12 principal's license. She actually has has a superintendent's license as well. So, she is very well qualified. >> Megan, I'm going to tell you this. This is before my time. She was brought on to be a 6th,

0657th, and 8th grade principal. >> Yeah. >> And uh I love the middle school concept, right, but it's really hard to be a middle school principal. >> Not in a small school. You can't have somebody [clears throat] 7th and 8th grade here and 6th grade over there and expect to have driving back and forth. So, this person Mrs. Zick would be responsible for 7th through 12th along with the online component that she has already started looking into. Does that answer your question? >> Yeah, no, it does. I just had no idea cuz I was just curious. Can I get a second motion? >> Yeah. Okay, you got a question. Yeah. Well, >> Can I just get a second motion and then you guys can talk? Second? >> I'll second it. >> Okay, any discussion? Go.

066>> Are we can we look at this role in a different aspect being we have a principal? Is there a potential to run with a dean of Students for cost savings. >> Oh. We already have an MOU with her. There's no hiring a new a Dean of Students is going to cost us more money. >> I'm not saying hire. Or do we have any opportunity within? >> From what I'm hearing you say, are you saying can we take the second ask her if she would want to be a Dean of Students and so forth? The only issue with that, and I think we came up to this a couple years ago when we went from the Dean of Students to having the middle school principal is they Correct me if I'm wrong, but they can't

067do anything with discipline. They have to refer it over to Dr. Burquest. >> If a Dean of Students is not licensed as a principal, they cannot do anything with discipline. Mrs. Zig is licensed as a principal. But if you go I mean >> Well, if you look at the disciplinary and we're looking to keep stuff off off Dr. Burquest. >> with it. >> Well, that's what >> You know, I mean just Any discipline >> Not knowing. >> Any discipline issues would have to go Dr. Burquest. >> Or we do have an elementary principal that would potentially be a >> But 7th through 12th grade that would You know what I mean? He would That would be a >> Well, Mrs. Zig, even though she's it would be if you're thinking of Mrs. Zig being a

068Dean of Students, she can still do discipline cuz she has a principal license. >> Oh, she You can't. >> Right. If you're a Dean of Students and you don't have a principal license >> Then you can't do it. >> You really can't do it. And a Dean of Students cannot evaluate teachers if they don't have a principal license. >> Right. >> Yeah, she has all that. Right. >> I I don't get I don't get what we're talking here. Are we saying we're going to ask a qualified person to work for less money in a less title? And I'm really confused here. I don't know what we're discussing. >> I'm just saying internally. I'm not saying any particular person. I'm saying is there anyone else >> This is This is just to open up negotiations with

069her. Like we're not talking salary or anything like that. That's going to be >> Jared, >> Jade, you're asking is is there somebody on staff right now that could absorb different duties or whatever as a principal. >> Is there I mean I mean is it is it a possibility? >> Yeah, it's a possibility, I think. I mean I'm not sure who's all licensed. >> She is. >> Yeah, I guess. >> Who's licensed? But >> She's already hired. >> For 1 year, right? >> Well, right now she's hired >> through as long as until >> She's got She's got tenure. I mean, she is she has tenure as a principal. >> Right. >> So, she's Um >> And we have a 1-year MOU with her. >> Correct. >> So, in a year we have to come

070back to it. So, we have >> MOU would be That MOU would be extinguished and she would be hired then as a as a principal. >> Correct. >> With the students or with the online facilitator. >> Correct, cuz she wants to do that. >> That's very nice of her. >> Which is well, which is like that's Dr. Burke talking about everyone picking up That's going to be a special skill that she has. >> And I think she'll do nice job >> with that. Bring in. >> So, question, just cuz I don't remember the MOU, like that would have to be amended or expelled because it has a different scope of duties or does that >> Well, an MOU We've done MOUs with with the teacher union group. It's really only supposed to be a 1-year

071thing. >> Yeah. >> So, let's just say that Mr. Meyer was still here af- after the school year. We'd still have three principals, right? Technically. Um we would ask Mrs. Zick, um "Would you like to do another year of MOU?" Mrs. Zick could say, "Well, no, I I don't want to do another MOU. I want to take I want to uh because I have seniority, I want to bump a principal." And she could do that. Right? And just I want everybody to know, too, I I know this isn't like I haven't done my homework on things. You know, I've I've communicated because I want to make sure that we're doing due process and everything else when a situation when situations arise, right? Mrs. Zick, she I mean, we could very well go out and get

072another principal or try to find somebody internally. Um and she cuz she's on an MOU, but I mean, that >> paying her for that salary. Also, for financial responsibility. >> Cole, did you have a Or Aaron stepped down? >> My last question and then I'm done. So, does this MOU like help buy us any time to carry her forward at all through the school year where we could table this? >> I don't think we take I mean, we are we are in July. >> In July 1st and we won't have a principal. >> As a principal, you want to be in position and >> Right. >> Yes. And to be honest with you, Megan I'm sorry to interrupt you. >> I'm sorry to interrupt you. >> You're good. >> Be honest with you, I um

073I've been communicating with Mrs. Zick um and she's out of town this week, but she would actually ask me if her and I could meet if this goes through next Tuesday all day to revamp the handbooks and do different things and get something in place because technically a lot of times principals don't work the month of July in a lot of schools even though their contract [clears throat] goes from July 1st to June 30th. They tend to be off I'm not saying they don't come in, right? >> Based on days like a teacher actually. >> Yeah, based on days. Um So, she's she's ready to get get on the ground and go. Um you know, but again, you know, if if you want to have me try to figure something out internally or re-advertise it,

074I could do that, but it's going to prolong this where we're at right now. >> Well, we're not in a situation to hire that position. >> Correct, not. We are not. >> We would be talking completely internal. >> Correct. >> That's it. >> Yes. >> Again, we can't hire like we can't hire. We have to stay internal. >> Right. >> Any other discussion? Madam President, second motion on that, right? >> I can't remember. >> Yeah, you did. >> I second. >> And she seconded. >> Okay. Uh any other discussion? Any other discussion? Okay, we have You want to go ahead and uh vote on it, right? >> Me? Oh, yeah, I think >> That's to open negotiations with >> [clears throat] >> Start to keep her at 7-12. Okay, thank you. Yes. >> Yes, thank

075you. >> Okay. >> So, we'll do a roll call vote on opening negotiations with Lorinda Zick for the principal position of 7th through 12th grade. Megan? >> I. >> Cole? >> I. >> Aaron? >> I. >> Jane? >> Nay. >> Susan? I. The eyes have it. Uh motion passes to open negotiations with Lorinda Zick. 7.7, approved budget. And I believe we have Janetta presenting tonight. >> Yes, Madam Chair. Janetta, are you uh able to hear us? Or I did pass out a budget sheet for everybody to take a look at. And I think it's got the audience over there. Would making Janetta sit forward or is there any way we can always put her to the >> Yeah, I'm in the front. >> I should have done that. That's my fault. >> No, that's okay.

076I just I feel that's so we always have her at the end. I'm sorry. >> Yeah. I'm sorry. Janetta, can you hear us? >> Yep, I can hear you. Can you hear me okay? >> Yeah, Janetta, I apologize. I'll take responsibility. I should have put you at the beginning. That's my fault. >> That's okay. >> [clears throat] >> All right. Um so, this is the same document that you guys saw previously where we had approved the revised projected budget. Now, we need to go in and approve the preliminary projected budget for next year. Um so, I'm just going to run through real quick. Um your unassigned fund balance for next year is still showing um a deficit of 463,015. Our non-spendable is at 106,068. With all of our restricted combined, we're looking at 921,755. And

077then we have our assigned PBS. That one is at 79,598. Where your total general fund balance would end at 644,405. Then looking at food service, that's staying fairly stable again for next for fiscal year 27. So, we would end We're projecting to end at 104,653. Um community ed, we're looking at another deficit of 343,647. One thing I want to point out here is we do have some of the general fund covering that deficit just to remain fairly stable. And that is that 153,169. You'll see that both in community ed and your unassigned above as well. Just showing the transfer. >> Janet, real quick question. So, I make sure that I understand. If we look at Can you hear me? >> Yep. >> Okay, this is Randy. Um so, an unassigned general fund of $463,000, right?

078That includes the 153,000 to the left of that, 169 taken out of there to put down and offset the cost of of community education, correct? >> Correct. Yep. Um and I also want to mention I took a little bit of time um before the meeting just to look back to see what's been transferred in the past. >> Yep. >> And it does look like $110,000 was transferred annually to your general ed fund. Why this got so big is I got to pull up my spreadsheet quick for myself to look at. Um there are 3 years where transfers were not done from general fund to community ed. So that's why that deficit has gotten so large. >> years? Not that it matters, I'm just curious. >> Um the years are So the very first year that

079it did not occur was um '22-'23. Then in '23-'24 there was a very small amount that was transferred. It was only 35,000. Um '24-'25 it was never done. And then we're hoping to transfer some this year, which we had approved 142,000 to transfer just to keep us steady. >> Okay, Janetta, thank you. So Janetta, if we let's just say we wouldn't put that $153,169 into the community education. >> Mhm. >> Would that then be 343,000 plus about 153,000 deficit? >> Correct. Yep. It'd be even larger. >> Okay. >> So this this 144,418, that is what your um community ed as a whole is deficit. So we're just netting you out at zero by transferring that out. If that Does that make sense? Um so school readiness revenue minus expenses is deficit of 144,418. Then your

080regular community ed would be um 8,751. That's just to net you guys are >> So Janetta, is it safe to say the school readiness we're not for whatever reason we are deficit spending in school readiness approximately $144,000, correct? >> Correct, yes. >> Are there any thoughts to that? Um and I don't mean to put you on the spot. I know when I talked to you earlier, we were going to talk about seeing how we could maybe uh reduce that amount. Anything you want to say to it and you don't have to if you don't want to. >> Nope. >> That's okay. Um I also kind of dug into when expenses hiked up um and it goes back to the 23-24 school year. It jumps up about $83,700, which is an additional teacher. And that continues

081on throughout to current. >> Okay. Could you tell if that had student enrollment increase is because of that? Or >> That information I don't have yet. We can dig into that um a little bit more. I know Randy and I had talked about maybe meeting later on this week or next week to dig into that a little bit more. Um so we can we'll look into those numbers for you. >> Yeah, Janetta, I I will um contact you uh tomorrow. We'll set up something and I'll just text you or email you tomorrow, Janetta. Thank you. >> Sounds good. Um So after community ed, we have um the building construction and debt service. And those are pretty much standard. There's not really a whole lot there. So does anyone else have questions? Oh, sorry. Your total

082all funds and that is your um general fund, food service, community ed, building, debt service. Your fund balance is $630,930. Keep in mind that number is not what um makes up the SOD calc. There's combination of certain ones that create your SOD calc. So, while it says we have 630,000, that's not what they're going to truly look at. They're going to look at more of your unassigned balance and then a few others in the mix there. >> What were we using for projected enrollment to get to this number? >> Yeah, um >> Do we flat or do we go back? >> I always be conservative on this. >> Was it 622 I saw the number earlier? >> Yeah, I would try to be Janetta, this is based um more accurately, correctly on on numbers. Approximately

083what, 622? Is that what we had down or 6 >> I I actually think for 27, we did a downward trend to 617 to be conservative. >> That's right. Okay, be conservative. Yeah, and that's I've said that since I've been here, we try to be conservative on the numbers. So, um Okay, so >> out better. I'm sorry, what, Janetta? >> And hope we turn out better for next year. >> Correct. >> Okay, I have a couple questions, Janetta. Um when you look at when you went to that 144,418, you said the extra expense was the teacher that was added in 23-24. Was there anything else you pegged that we could look at for financials? >> Um not at this time. Um I can work through a few items. Um put some stuff together for you

084to take a look at. I don't have anything prepped and ready for you to look at right now. >> And then I my other one is I know that when I got on the school board, the prior school board was working very hard to pay that off. So, it's a shame to see that they didn't do it in years. That would be very disgruntled some school prior school board members. Um do you know where our enrollment is in pre-K right now? >> No, I do not. And I actually was in Audubon this morning, this afternoon, this morning. And um I talked to Barbara. Our numbers are up K-6 right now, probably by about eight students so far, but anything can happen during the summer. I need to figure that out. I I I should have

085had that. I apologize. I'll figure that out. >> still it's still it's only June, so that we have a lot more kids that could come in. >> Okay, thank you very much, Janetta. Yes, if you have any other additional ideas, I know that when we had the presentation, when we started with you previously, we are very high in our school funding in this area, so >> Mhm. Thank you. >> And Janetta, I do want to also mention, too, um, is it safe to say, and I don't want to put words in your mouth, if you agree with me, fine, if not, that's fine, too, we really can't stop preschool students from coming to preschool if the bills are outstanding. That's basically from coming from the state, correct? >> Correct, yes. >> So, I'm guessing when

086we look into this, there's going to be a number of bills that are outstanding. Uh, but, you know, I I know we have a great preschool program with Mrs. Brasaeth, and um, but when the state says, "Well, you can't really do that," that's part of the problem, right, Janetta? >> Correct, yeah. Um, >> I know, here's another question, too, Janetta. I know our district, um, used to get VPK, voluntary pre-kindergarten, um, numbers, and you and I've talked about this a couple times. I know last year we, um, didn't get the numbers, um, but didn't the state just approve it now from going from every two years to every four years? >> Yeah, I believe they extended that out, unfortunately. >> No, I didn't know that, but that's nice. >> And is it correct that we

087did not file that? The work was done, but it was never submitted. So >> So, district is without that for the next 4 years now? >> Next three now, after Yeah. >> So it's been well 4 years that we'll miss out on what? 6 to 8 students? >> Correct. Is that right? Correct, Janetta? >> Yeah. And if we as a district are consistent in paying this down, that before $110,000 was transferred annually, and if we're paying down a little bit every year, and consistent with it, and not cutting back the amount, which we will not have that number. >> Right. >> But then we have to come up with it out of the general funds. >> Correct. >> Janetta, I have a quick question, Cole here. Um that you said that six $630,000 um is

088not the number that you know, will be It's $500,000. Is that a conservative number to use that they'll I'm just trying to look at what our percent will be. >> So >> Unassigned. >> Yeah, unassigned, yeah. Okay. So I actually have it somewhat calculated. It's a very rough number, so do not hold me to this number. Um but I am projecting at the end of '27 we'll be at a negative 3.45 with these numbers, which means yes, you would fall into SOD next year. Um and that's coming from a negative fund balance of two a negative $277,349, which is the number that they're going to look at. Um and that takes into consideration Well, it looks at your unassigned, your non-spendable, and then that assigned fund balance are kind of the three areas that they

089look at. >> So Janetta, I just want to make it clear to when you presented me, we currently or just missed SOD by the end by June 30th of '26, correct? >> Correct. As long as all of our expenses align with the revision that we put into place, yes, we would projecting to end around a negative 1.12 for this year. Again, rough number, don't hold me to that, but that's where we're projecting to land. >> Thank you. >> Mhm. >> Well, did you get your question answered? Okay. >> Thank you, Janada. Anybody else have any other questions? Okay, 7.7. I Can I get a motion to approve the budget? >> Make a motion. >> Can I get a second? >> I'll second it. >> Any discussion? Any discussion? >> I guess the only thing I

090would say then is we have two things that we can do to keep us from SOD. Control costs. And what is our number one control that we can do that will have the biggest impact in our district? What's this? Personnel. And number two is increase revenues. >> Yep. >> That's our only >> It's our only methods, yeah. >> I mean >> Yeah. >> You're right, Jay. Okay. >> I think too, like I just think I think it's that end positive, like but this deficit in school readiness, I think it just I think it speaks to the poverty that's we face in Becker County a little bit. And I think there's so much shame and so much services and so I'm just curious about like what kind of follow-up and love we give these families with

091support in meeting these bills. I don't think any family feels proud to not be able to pay their bills. And so I don't know if we have somebody that can help a little more than keep sending the bill in the mail. >> Well, this isn't bill related, is it? I mean, a little bit of it, but most of it's where it is not charging enough to cover our costs at this point. >> A portion of it is low. Uh is bill related, but then I do know prior administration was calling and reaching out to families. Sure, they did hear of the hardships. They did stop >> if I had done that. I'm sorry. >> No, no, and maybe I'm just like I just feel like I I just know lots of programs and different things

092that could potentially help. And so I just be interested in the conversation and help maybe create some pathways. I did I did >> I'd love to be part of that, Megan. >> There was I know we're getting the I'm going to forget the grant. But it I believe it covers three kids. >> Yeah. >> The early learning school. >> pathways >> Yep. And then uh I think I did I did request some money some not money some materials from the state on it if there was ways to get individual scholarships and stuff with them, but nothing ever went anywhere. But I can go back through and look for some. >> Yeah, and I might have some contacts for you. So yeah, just talk to you. >> And I've reached out to somebody who inquired about

093giving some money to the district. >> [laughter] >> I don't want to say who it was. It was an organization and what what could we use that said offset the cost of preschool? And that was a month ago and I haven't heard anything back, but their fiscal year will be coming to an end as well, too. So and I'm I've reached out to the state on the VPK. Right? Um and supposedly there there's a fund that they if some schools say, "Oh, we want 10." But they only use seven, there's some money still left over. So I have reached out to the state. Their fund cycle ends June 30th as well. So hopefully I'll try everything I can to get some VPK slots. >> And it does bring uh preschool just showing off our school

094because we don't do it enough. And the more we the more kids we get in our doors, the better chance we have of having more students. Okay, do I have a first and second on approving this budget? Do I have a second? >> Mhm. >> Good. Um Any other discussion? I would like to say if we accept this now, too, we can always make amendments later on. We just have to have a budget approved tonight. Um we'll do a roll call vote vote on approving the budget. Uh all those in favor say I, all those opposed say nay. Megan? >> I. >> Paul? >> I. >> Aaron? >> I. >> Jade? >> I. >> Susan, I. The eyes have it, the budget is approved. Uh did you have anything else to add, Dr. Burke? >>

095Yeah, Madam Chair, just a couple quick and a update. Um First of all, uh we are working with an insurance company to try to get some better insurance rates. Remember we switched over for health, but we're also looking at land or um you know, property and different things like that. So that's something that we're going to look at doing before July 1st. Um so we've got that. I also want you to know, and maybe you've heard this, that there's going to be a constitutional amendment on the November election. And I have some information. Basically, in a nutshell, without spending a lot of time, many, many years ago they put a bunch of money into the permanent It's called the permanent uh school fund. And it looks like um and I've gone to a couple meetings

096Zoom meetings on this. And we're part of a trust fund. So I did have some information if you'd like to I went and printed one copy each. But basically, in a nutshell, as a board members or superintendent, we're only supposed to give factual information. We can't go as a board and say, you know, we let's make a motion to support the the permanent trust fund money that gets allocated back to schools. So that is going to get a gain a lot of traction as it continues to go on to the November ballot as a constitutional amendment. The thing about that, the result, if it does pass, school districts will get money. Okay? And I'm not sure exactly how much, but they'll get money. That'll be a constitutional amendment. I also want you to know, okay?

097If the school board wants to go out for a referendum on November 3rd, we have got to make a decision at the July school board meeting. All right? I think it would be good to go out for an operating referendum. And people can ask me, I'll give my opinion. However, we have got to have a plan together of what that looks like. We can't just go say, "Hey, you know, we can we raise your taxes? What are we using them for? Uh and we might buy a a tree over here, we might get a couple extra footballs, or whatever it is." We have to have a plan in place. So, for the next month until the school board meeting, I'm going to be working with Janetta and Ellers. Ellers is one of the main players.

098I think you've worked with Ellers before to figure out exactly what that added amount looks like. What do we think we can go out and have positive um information out there. I don't want to lie. I will not lie. I will be transparent with people. We can't just But, we have to have a game plan of what we would use the money for. So, I think that's some planning that needs to take place this next month of what >> We need to be transparent and extremely precise on how we would spend the money. >> Absolutely. >> community understands what the referendum would be for, which would help gain support. >> Correct. So, we cannot wait till August. We have to make that decision in July at the school board meeting, but I will set up

099some meetings with Ellers and figure out exactly what it looks like. Um and then I'll get you information if you want to set up a call with Shelby from Ellers again, and you know, to talk about some of that, that'd be great. Um yeah, I just want to say that. Also, even I'm sorry. >> Even if we we even if it passes that will not impact our 20 our end of the year >> Not our 2026 >> next year prevent. So, no matter what happens there We're still We're still We're still in the >> We just keep going. But we do it What I'm going to talk about later on. What was it when would the if it was approved in November was it April? Was it >> It'll be for the next school year,

100so July 1st. >> Oh, there you >> Remember because it's a that kind of staple. I think a big step was made to cut administration, right? I I mean I know people have their different feelings and different ideas or whatever, but I think that says a lot. And you know, what also says a lot too is I I'm very appreciative of and there's a teacher here school board did give the teachers a raise that second year. All right? And I just I'll make sure to convey that at the beginning of the school year when we have teacher workshops that you know something, the board is banking on us not just me, not just the principal, but everybody in this district in the school Paris, kitchen staff and so forth. So, >> We made a lot

101of cuts and we're asking for a lot of fill the talent and help us get just a little further. >> And I want to say this again, um there's a lot of people that have stepped up in this district right now, okay? And um you know, I'm not saying this because somebody is sitting there, but Sherry has really stepped up a lot. Okay? I appreciate what Sherry's done because you know, we've lost Suzy. And Suzy continues to help out. Probably more so than she needs to, but she's she believes in this district and wants to help out. Um you know, we've had other individuals step up as well too, but it's a it's a mainstay when you come here and you see certain individuals helping out. You have teachers that are helping weed that for

102crying out loud. Not asking for anything. So, people have stepped up and I do appreciate everybody that steps up and isn't giving up and continues to work. Oh, another thing too, I'm sorry. I did uh there's a something going to be happening in Audubon and a potential um lane change thing. I did send a support to the Department of Transportation to Honorable Judge Somebody in Federal Court Federal Washington, D.C. As support, I sent it to the transportation lady um in the cities who then will send it on cuz they're looking at doing some bonds of different things and there's something that potentially will happen in Audubon, but I just want to let you know I sent it on behalf of the school district. I can share that with you. I forgot to bring it tonight.

103I'm sorry. That's it, ma'am. Madam Chair, thanks. >> Okay. And yes, from the whole school board, thank you to everybody that stepped up this year and that everybody that has continued to show whatever readers provided, believe in our district. Um we have 8.0 succeeding meetings, 8.1 regular monthly school board meeting month July 22nd 5:30 p.m. Lake Park-Audubon Elementary School Media Center. Meeting is adjourned. >> Thank you. Can we take your picture, Mrs. Olson?