001of all of all flavors. First name red. [laughter] >> I was so mad. One minute. >> We can see you watching. >> I know. [laughter] >> I think I have seen [laughter] that. Everything's like a little >> [laughter] >> Good evening. Let's call the meeting of the Lake Park Ottabon School Board to order. We'll start with roll call. Marge >> here. Cole >> here. >> Sarah >> here. >> Aaron >> here. >> Jay >> here. >> Megan >> here. Susan here. Let's all rise for the pledge of pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance 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. >> Okay, we have no old business, so we'll move to new business.
0023.1 budget discussion. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Good evening everyone. Um, you know, today is one of those days where you you think, man, am I making a difference? Am I doing things I'm supposed to be doing? And as I'm leaving Adabon this morning to go to Lake Park, Mrs. Midthoom and the preschoolers said, um, God bless Diane and preschoolers your love LPA. This is a heart that they gave me. [clears throat] >> And you know, you feel like, oh, what am I doing? And then she comes up and I'm like, uhoh. And she gave me a heart. So, I want to thank the preschoolers. Okay. Madam Chair, what I'm going to do is I'm going to update everyone here what's going on. I know the goal of tonight for me is to just give
003some information out. Find out what the school board wants me us to do next. Here are some things that have transpired since probably the last time we've talked. Um, and they're not in any particular order. Um, I think it's very Am I screaming? I feel like I'm annoying people. I think it's very important that I work closely with the union. All right. Now, some people might say, "Well, why are you why you working so close with you?" Because I think you have to. And so, yesterday, the principles and myself met with members of the executive committee. Um, is that okay if I say it? >> Yes. Kristen Frank, Amanda Snyder, and Andrew Ecklund, and Leah Revich. And I want to thank them for their um candid time yesterday. I want to thank the principles. Look,
004it's not just about me or you. It's about all of us working on this. I'm not going to lie by and try to tell you that I don't I don't worry about this all the time. I do worry about it all the time because we're going to have to make some tough decisions, right? So, that's one thing we talked about. We've done. Another thing is, um, I've had some help. I'm putting out a video tomorrow to talk about conferences. Next week, we don't have school next Friday. Remember, [clears throat] that's a change working with the teachers union. And also at 5:00 next Tuesday, we're going to have a community meeting in here as I'm sorry, in Lake Park at 5:00. Thursday at 5:00 we're going to have it here in Ottawa. Okay. So, I just
005want everybody to know tomorrow I'll do the video, send it out with some help from some people. I do appreciate those individuals here tonight that help me out with that. Another thing, and I want to be very transparent. Um, I was contacted by a local newspaper to talk about they had heard that LPA was looking at some budget um, issues or concerns. As a superintendent and as an American citizen working with a government entity, I believe we have to be transparent and we have to be honest. Right? That's my feeling. I just want to give everybody a heads up that I um I talked a lot today to the to the reporter. Um I don't think I said anything negative. I just want to you to know my experience with the media in the past
006hasn't always been the best and I'm saying that over a live mic right now. [clears throat] But the person that interviewed me was a was a she did a really nice job and I want and I'm going to continue talking with her tomorrow. There is going to be an uh article in the newspaper on Saturday. Now, one of the things I thought of is do I wait till after the community meetings to talk about it? No, because guess what? In the newspaper article, she said she was going to put those dates and times in there. So, that'll be coming out on Saturday. I just was flat honest and said we got to cut it probably $1.5 million. There were a lot of questions, you know, why I said student declined in enrollment and you know,
007different things like that. So, want to give you a heads up on that. I've also communicated with a school district called Belgrade Brutin El Rosa. It's about 600 students, preK through 12. It has two schools and two different communities. Very similar to Lake Park Ottabon School District. Um I don't know if LP has ever played them. I think maybe wrestled. I'm not sure. But um I happen to know the superintendent. She's brand new in July. She's been in that district for a number of years. They have a 4 day week, right? And I know that was one board member expressed interest in it. One board member said, "Well, what are we going to do about daycare and everything else?" I've asked her if she would be willing to present. Um, she'll do that. And actually,
008next Wednesday between 4 and 5, she said she would do that. I've known her for a long time and um she is going to present with her principles um any [clears throat] for between 4 and 5. I didn't do it next Tuesday. I didn't do it next Thursday. Following week, I'm gone. So, I thought the sooner we can get this information, the better. There's a lot of interesting things. They have a daycare in their school building. Um, they have Mondays off. They go, I think from 8:10 to 3:30. Um, the superintendent before her before her who um was done in June uh had said that they probably would save $300,000 a year. Okay. Now, that's a lot more than I had thought for our district, but it's something to look into, right? I'm trying to
009provide information so that you can all make an informed decision about that. I've invited the teachers union and anybody else that wants [snorts] to come and listen to the presentation. Um, and she's more than willing to answer questions. And remember, this is a presentation what has been good for their school. She's not coming here to try to sell us a 4 day week. I'm not paying her money or anything like that. Um I said I [snorts] buy her a pop sometime when I saw her next. All right. So, um that's what we're doing. She's not going to try to, you know, force it in on us. >> Sounds good. >> Okay. All right. So, next thing, um we sent the survey out to staff. Um just a basic survey to kind of find out what
010their plans are for for next year. And so hopefully I've asked to get um answers back by Friday, the end of this week, Friday. So I do appreciate working with the teachers group to help me with that. And um I know there were some concerns about the survey. I just want to go on record that I'm not offended by anything. Um we're not going to hold grudges against somebody because they said, "Geez, Burkquist, you got to do this that." I don't we don't that's not how I operate. So, we're not gonna that that's not going to happen. I just want to throw that out there. Uh, another thing, um, Susie or principles, is there anything you would like to add that I might have forgotten? [clears throat] >> BB's schedule is from starts at 8:10
011and it ends at 3:30. >> Correct. I'm sorry. 8:10 and 3:30. Uh, Mondays they uh have off then when they have a storm day and they're scheduled. Currently the first day is a free the second day is they have it on a Monday the third day is e-learning the fourth day is Monday and the fifth day is e-learning. Um they sometime they block off between 1 and 4 on Mondays for extracurricular practices and or or situations like that if a team wants to practice but they've saved a lot of money on subcosts uh because they've kind of made an agreement with the group the teachers group and the others that could you try to make some of your appointments on Mondays when we don't have school. So >> oh I'm sorry >> 4 o'clock on
012Ash Wednesday. So, that is here or at the school? Where is she going to go? >> Uh, it's going to be a Zoom call. She's not driving here. I didn't expect her to do that. She'll be doing a Zoom thing. So, hopefully. >> Yeah. So, where are we going to be? >> Well, um, where would be the best place to have something like that on so we can see her on a big screen? >> The Prometheian. We can we can have a Prometheian like this just like you guys have it. You can we can just pull her up big so she's you know the whole screen >> right over here. >> Yeah. So, let's do it at 4:00 here. >> Yeah, Susie, would you be able to please post that because I assume that we'll
013have a port. If you can't make it, I understand. Um, they didn't want to go past 5, but um it is 4 to 5 [clears throat] next Wednesday. Again, I just wanted to get out there so that we could get the information going. Uh, principles, did I anything else that you >> possibly record that too? >> Yeah. >> So, then it would if they can't make it or whoever can't then >> Yeah, >> sure. We could definitely do that. Uh, principles, was there anything else before I get into the budget in the weeds? Uh, anybody else from any group that would like to say anything? No. Okay. Um, well, [snorts] I know my goal, like I mentioned tonight, is to what direction does the board want us to go? So, like I said, I've been
014working with these individuals. I made some changes as of yesterday or last night. I also made some changes today. Um, I just haven't been able to have time to communicate some of the changes. You will not hear any people's names tonight because I want to respect the privacy of the individuals that we're going to eventually be talking to. I think we have a good agreement with that teachers group as well. Okay, I'm talking about the the teachers. But here's what I certain individuals have come up with. I tried to make the worst case scenario, right? And I want to call this bare bones. And this is what it I've come I've we've come up with. We could potentially cut 2,21,4430. Okay. Now, that's an increase from last night, but I'm going to break it down
015by area. That's bare bones. I want everybody to know on February 11th today, these are estimates, okay? These are estimates. So if I say something is worth, you know, this amount and 3 months later technology comes in different, please know I wasn't trying to lie to you. This is the information I have as of today. So 2,21,4430 of that. Okay. [sighs] Approximately $626,81749 cents would come out of the elementary. >> Sorry. Can you say that number one more time? >> I'm sorry. Yeah, [clears throat] that's okay. >> 626 626,81749. Did everybody get that number? Okay, thank you. I [clears throat] sorry I took talk in the past sometimes >> out of the high school. All right. Um and I see I [snorts] those numbers just have a lot of digits. It's hard for to keep
016up with digits. >> Um just a sec. I got to check some out real quick here. out of the high school it is going to be and you're gonna say I'll tell you a sec. I just I have to figure one thing out. I apologize folks out of the high school at this time. And this is a significant drop from what we talked about last night is $488,548. Right now, whatever decisions, whatever numbers come about, we're going to be scrutinized. Right? We're going to say, why are we cutting here? Why are we cutting there? So, we're going to have to figure that out. Out of the district office, we are looking at potential of $79,76. And I I'm going to talk about some of the individuals in here um without, you know, going whatever. >>
017Say that again, please. >> Oh, $79,76976. >> Thank you. Okay. Community Ed [clears throat] 110,531811053181. Extracurricular activities, that's something I think we're going to have to continue to look at. um is $17,949. 17949. Instructional supplies is $25,100. And actually the 2 million is going to be less. It's going to be under just probably 1.9 something. So don't I'll have to update because I accidentally left the number in there that should have been in a different situation. Now some of these things overlap. Okay. So for example, elementary savings and high school savings you can guess are going to be you know our budget is 75 to 80% [clears throat] of our of a school's budget is staffing [clears throat] salaries and benefits. Right? So, I'm working with the union on the elementary and high school staff
018as we see it right here. I'm not going to say any names. Okay. On the district, there are some different things that I put in there. Okay. For example, under the district, I consider transportation, building, and grounds and activities director positions as part of the district. What we have [clears throat] currently right now when we look at this model is that we have one superintendent full-time, one full-time technology director and three three full-time administrators. That's it. That's taken out transportation, building and grounds, and athletic director. Right. And again, those individuals don't even know, but they're they're not necessarily part of a a union group. It's an atwell. And remember, I'm trying to do the worst case scenario. [snorts] Okay. Um there's some other things that are in there. [clears throat] One of the things that
019our district does is that we pay $200 a day for a sub. We pay $220 a day for a full-time sub. If we don't have a full-time sub, which we currently do not have because that we stop that I maybe November because our district has had a full-time sub. We've stopped. That person still subs once in a while, but that person doesn't come in every single day. If we were to get rid of the full-time sub and if we were to get go back to paying $165 a day as opposed to 200, I know I think Holly or Detroit Lakes pays 165. Um, if we were to do that, we would save $70,000. $70,392 roughly. Now, I know what the argument is going to be. We need to have subs, right? You never know when
020something's going to happen. Somebody's going to get sick. Somebody's parent passes away, right? So, but I wanted to give everybody a visual of what it is if we took rid of our full-time sub and if we went down from $200 to $165, it would be $70,000 roughly in savings. Now, is that going to be consistent? Probably not. It could be less, it could be more. [clears throat] If we get a huge flu outbreak next year in this area for two months, it, you know, it could negatively affect us. Um, there's a couple other things that are in this and that is, um, you know, we have an American Indian educator coordinator, an American, Native American, um, tutor. You have to remember, and I know the board already knows this, everything gets coded in a school,
021right? So, I'm not necessarily saying get rid of those positions because they get funded through our American Indian funds and we have a lot of money in that account, right? I just put that on there because I consider that I want you to all know what's going on, right? I'm not necessarily saying that. I think we have a good program. I think Mrs. Jordan does a really nice job and we have Mrs. Grall is helping. um she's teaching an advisory class with 12 students in Ojiway language and so I think that's right I just wanted to throw that out there. Um food service is also a potential cut as well and I put that under the district um that's approximate cost of $50,000 in food service. Okay, $50,000 savings in food service. And just so
022everybody knows, [clears throat] for the most part, all the individuals that are in charge of this of a number of things have been talked to. [clears throat] For the most part, I could do a better job talking to maybe three other individuals. Remember, we have a transportation guy leaving at the end of June. Okay. Um, here's another thing. Transportation, [clears throat] I'm being honest. Last spring, the board approved a PDM route route PDM rate. So when somebody goes on a staff development trip or something, they get an amount of I can't remember it's $28, I think. Right. We have been paying the bus drivers $28. So when they go drop off a team and they use the concession stands, and I'm not throwing the bus drivers underneath the bus, right? Because I couldn't be a
023bus driver. I'm just want you to know because that's what you wanted me to do is be transparent with you as board members. If a bus driver goes and drops off a team at uh DGF, all right and say, you know, I get $20. I'm just going to go to the concession stand. No questions asked. In some cases, we are paying bus drivers to to eat because they don't they just spend eight bucks. Right now, I know $28 isn't going to add up a lot, but I think that's something that we should look at for all individuals, not just bus drivers. Now, I know if you go out to the cities, you're probably not going to be able to get a meal for $15 or if you go to Morehead, whatever it is in this
024also in this transportation thing is we have nine bus routes. Okay. The cheapest bus route is $46,000 roughly per [clears throat] year. The most expensive bus route, which is on this list, is $63,955. Okay. I want to switch gears for a minute. >> No, no, no. I'm I'm >> um I want to switch gears. We've done a transportation analysis for our school district because people say, "Well, why don't we have a company come in and take care of our transportation?" Well, the word is out that our transportation guy is leaving at the end of June. And that will be missed. There's no doubt about it. And I think that's one of the things that we have to decide. What are we going to do with our transportation? There is a company that has reached out
025in an email about a week and a half ago asking to meet with us to talk about transportation and the possibility of them taking it. I have a transportation analysis and I just want to read a couple things. It says total costs trend transportation expenditures are down approximately 12 to 14% overall from fiscal year 23 to fiscal year 25 despite ongoing increases in labor and fuel. The net reduction is primarily due to declines in contracted services and Department chargebacks is something that we do in in in May and June. We charge back. That's something that the business manager in the district office will do. Um revenue growth. Transportation revenue increase over the three years driven by strong sped transportation aid growth. Then this improvement turned the net district cost positive in fiscal year 25 making
026a financial step marking a financial step forward. Um, labor dominance, labor salaries, benefits, and and fr related fringes continue to represent about 54% of the transportation budget, typical for school districts and school districts that own their own services. Um per student sped transportation costs remain elevated which is common in rural districts like ours due to longer routes and um you know fewer students you go you know we pick up a number of students that uh open enrolling to our district right and so we we we do that which I think is great. Um, the fleet of 20 active vehicles is modernizing with nearly half under 6 years old thanks to recent purchases 23 to 26 models. A few older high mileage buses still present repair risk, but the overall age profile is younger than many
027rural school districts our size. Contracted services comparison. I'm almost done here, folks. Fiscal year 25 financials are strong for in-house operations on operating costs alone. Um the proposal from that other company that we had before is slightly more expensive over 3 years. If no major bus replacements are needed in the near term, staying in house remains the more cost effective choice short term. However, if there's a plan to replace one to two buses annually, contracting could generate modest net savings over 3 years by shifting capital replacement and ongoing maintenance risks to the vendor. So, in summary, um the program is in stronger financial position than prior years with better cost control and revenue coverage. In the immediate future, inh home operations look favorable, uh especially since we have a more modern fleet. However, if we
028start saying, "Okay, we're going to buy a bus this year and a bus next year." Um it's probably better to look at going out. And I do have um a synopsis of the transportation report here. I guess I didn't make copies for everybody. One apolog for everybody, but I can sure send one out. Um, and this also brings into um also brings into play that the gentle the gentleman from this company wants to to meet and we could go out for an RFP request for a proposal. I do have a list of all the current buses, how many miles as of probably a month ago and what their value is on the buses. Remember, we have a bus garage in Lake Park and a bus garage in Ottabon. So, at some point we can potentially,
029you know, if we need to, shortterm or long term, look at maybe selling our buses and and things like that. >> Does that transportation include the facilities in which they're housed or is it strictly the transport? >> Strictly the transportation. Yes. >> So, where is the buildings of the bus garages getting costed to? >> To be honest, I haven't done that. I can I can sure do that, Jade. Okay. I Are you telling me what the how much the value of the property is? >> No. What kind of maintenance cost facilities and insurance for those facilities? >> Yeah. So, what I'm going to do is I'm going I'll send myself an email. I'll get the maintenance cost in the fac and the insurance costs for these bus garages. You know, one thing we had to
030replace the heater in one of the bus garages. We didn't think we had to. That one was kind of frisk and then the other one went down. So I will get that and try to make a comparison for the last at least 3 years >> because looking at the overall transportation from what I understanding the buildings are not in great shape. So so in 3 years we're probably looking at some expenses in the buildings potentially. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Sorry. >> I'm sorry. >> That's okay. No. Um >> I'll we'll talk this I guess tomorrow. >> Yeah. I would if you would because I need to talk about that. >> Yep. [clears throat and cough] >> Correct me if I'm wrong. Don't one or two of our buses need some repairs or we have
031to look at replacing them in the next >> Yeah. [laughter] You know, when you think about it, I you know, I'm just going to throw this out there. I get frustrated when we're paying for oil changes sending our bus to Detroit, right? And and Matt knows how I feel on that, right? I'm not going to say anything negative about Matt or that. You know, I we have to look at are we going to start maybe are we going to hire somebody that can do some of the repairs internally, right? Well, if you're looking at a diesel mechanic, that's probably at least an $80,000 just on salary. $80,000 from my experience working in a different district to hire a diesel mechanic who's strictly a mechanic, right? Um so, yes, there are some buses that are going
032to eventually need repairs. Anything else on the transport? Okay. Um here >> I do have one thing. >> Yes, sir. >> So backing up a little bit. The instructional supplies >> the 25,000 >> is that going to affect the students like where So if we're cutting >> say we're cutting paper or we're cutting something like that >> that that kind of trickles down to >> right >> the teachers paying for it out of pocket because that's you don't want that. >> Yeah. I don't want the teachers to pay for out of pocket. Here's something that I get very frustrated with. Groups know this is we've spent thousands of dollars on Chromebooks and everything else and and we make copies. I get that, right? Um our copies have actually gotten better the last couple years. So,
033I want to credit the teachers for that and every all the staff members, everything else. The where we get really burned on the copies is the color copies because that's more expensive, right? And I'm not saying anything that I haven't said to the union group before, so I'm not trying to, you know, be a jerk about that. Um, it's possible. Okay? And so, one of the things that we look that I, uh, personally get frustrated is if we spend a lot of money on different programs and apps, right? So, uh, for example, technology, right, in this district, and I was going to talk about technology, at a minimum, we could save $40,000 on technology next year. Okay, I've met with um John McDonald, put together some different things. I've asked John for a print out
034of some of the more important things like is a very good program that um helps students especially in the elementary classrooms. Well, we currently pay $13,000 a year for that. Now, I know in the $ 1.5 [clears throat] million bucket, 13,000 is a drop, but these things start to add up. Um, I did ask John to print out a report of of the usage. It's getting used, right? Um, some of the things that in that cost, Erin, to be honest with you, are instructional. Um, let me just read this move this real quick here. It would be uh, Mrs. K12 now, not just >> Yep. >> Um, it would be um, or is it >> any of these numbers include what you've already eliminated? >> No. So these are we already took care of some
035of it. These are in addition, >> correct? Um so like a paper pallet, a pallet of paper costs $1,300, right? We get that delivered. I think this year we're currently at three pallets. Um maybe four. I just said, you know, let's try to maybe let's take that up. $1,300. Oh, big deal, right? Um we've also got uh copies copies overages. So when we go over, we have to pay money. The last couple years, the teacher, everybody's done a better job. I'm not just saying the teacher is a district office. Everybody's done a better job of that. So we could potentially save $3,000 in that. Um [clears throat] textbooks, supplies, um we don't really have a I don't think we have a curriculum review cycle here in this district. And we really need to kind of
036get on that. And that really needs to be a scope and sequence that needs to include kindergarten through 12th grade. Um, and we have to put money where that is. Okay. One of the things talking with technology with John, one thing that I am not for unless somebody you know somebody can disagree with me. I'm not going to hold or anything. We happen to have a onetoone device in this district kindergarten through 12th grade. Right. I personally don't think we need a 1:1 device for some of the younger grades, okay? Kindergarten, first, second, maybe third grade because that's when the MCA tests start. Now, just because I think that doesn't mean that I'm not going to receive feedback from those elementary teachers, the principal, and so forth. Um, so some of the things that are
037going to happen in the next couple years when it comes to technology and obviously I think at some point that's not going to be a decision I make or you make or John makes. I think we need to get a committee of individuals to look at the technology aspects of it >> with the one to one. Are these kids taking that unit home then? >> Not in younger grades. >> So then why would we from what I understand? >> Mrs. Zick and Mr. Johnson, Mr. Mer, would you mind just touching base on exactly what grades again? It's 912 take it home, right? Correct. >> Okay. So, um, some districts, some districts don't do a one to one, um, in the younger grades, uh, they have carts. So, they might have a cart of, you know,
03840 Chromebooks or whatever it is that kindergarten uses or first grade. Am I saying that teachers correctly? >> We're one to one. Oh, >> right. Right. I'm Yeah. I'm just I'm just saying that might be something we could look at in the future. >> Could be. >> Maybe your thoughts on that. >> Um, so, uh, did I answer your question, J? >> Yeah. I guess my question on that was there, uh, what was the thinking on that the oneonone is that like a is there a benefit or was there a thought there was going to be a benefit >> for it's mostly used for e-learning? I'm sorry, I have a broken rib so I can't turn around and talk to you guys. Um, is it for like e-learning stuff? >> I I feel like it
039probably because of co >> I think it was money. >> It was really I think the money came from or something funds funds, >> but then it's [clears throat] been picked up by >> Well, yeah, you know, that's part of it, but I couldn't tell you what year it was, but everybody jumped on the bandwagon before CO, right? and they said, "Well, hey, we got to keep up with the Joneses, right? If the Joneses are getting one to one Chromebooks or iPads, then we better get the one to one Chromebooks or iPads." That was precoid, right? Personally myself, I you know, education has changed. I you know, there's a problem in this country. People are on their phones and kids are everything else. I I would like to get back to some sort of normaly
040where the teacher you know can do what they want. They don't if they don't want to use the Chromebooks or the iPads by all means try something else. >> Yeah. >> So that's my take on yeah it was part Esser and part CO but this was precoid. >> Um can I answer that question or Sarah? Okay. >> Um a couple things. We have a double check on this. We have a the technology now. Um we could potentially save a minimum of $40,000 like I mentioned and that's just a minimum. Um you know we get funding and everything else. Uh when I talked to John about technology he would probably know more in the end of March, right? Um and then we do have two major leases. One is coming off at the end of next
041June of 27 and then June of 28. So, I can't re I left that sheet in my office, but it's I don't remember probably $60,000 one year and maybe 48 the next year. But we're having those leases come off. Those were have been on decided with the board a couple years ago. >> Was there anything that would impact us yet this year potentially with the technology? >> Uh, you mean for savings? >> Yeah, like for going into >> um That's a good question. I think that's yet to be determined. Jake, um, you know, I'm going to say this and I I did say this to the to the reporter today. I'm I'm very concerned with education coming up in the next year or two with funding and different things. If I'm wrong, I I'll freely
042get it. You know, the perception, whether it's true or not, is that there's a lot of fraud. And I think a lot of the grants, the e-ate technology grants and different things like that are going to be severely looked at. So I don't know if there's any type of savings, but I I'm I'm optimistic that there will be. Okay. Because I think I think John's got a good handle on technology and I think there will be. Can I ask you a quick question just about like the some of the biggest cuts like what does that what does that mean for our class sizes like >> well that's a good question Megan and I'm going to tell you this this answer and the answer is well obviously when you make that many cuts the class sizes
043are going to go up right they are going to go up and here are some things that administratively and maybe with some other individuals we've been talking about, you know, people are people are going to say things. They're going to say, "Why do we still have three principles? Why isn't the superintendent making this? Why isn't somebody else picking this up?" That's all going to be said. >> I've seen it. I've heard it. I've read about it. Right? You know, one thing, for example, I want to give uh somebody credit here. Um, one of the things that was discussed was music yesterday, right? Music. I There's so many benefits to music, right? And I have to be honest, I I didn't know if the person that was in that room was going to blow a gasket.
044That person did not blow a gasket. And I was I was impressed. But we don't want to cut music, right? We don't want to cut music because if you cut music, then you better cut out athletics, >> right? If you cut teachers, you got to look at admin, right? It it those are the things that people are going to say. And by the way, that another thing I told the reporter is, is there anything I want people to know? I want people to get the facts first before going on social media or posting things and saying this, this, and this. Um, yes, Megan, the classes are going to go up. And um one thing we have talked about is we currently have an online program with 20 students in it grades 9 through 12. Okay.
045I've asked Mrs. Zik and Mrs. Zik has actually volunteered to do that [clears throat] to see about could we lower that to grades seven and eight or six seven and eight. And you know something even if we get 10 kids in that, right? That's a hund about $100,000. So currently we're looking into that possibility. I will tell you I will never do anything illegal or moral wrong. I will go through the state to make sure that we are correct and doing it. Whether it's technology or curriculum or anything like that, we I will make sure that we get it signed off on. Is it because we've lost students to other schools that have that option for those lower ages? >> Well, currently, yes. There is a neighboring school district that is trying to promote it.
046All right. That happens to be a bigger district, and I heard somebody today tell me that we've lost some kids to that district because of a certain sport that they want to go there and play, right? There is also another neighboring district that doesn't currently have an online program. You got to remember every district in Minnesota is scrambling to say we want you. You know, we might as well put the Statue of Liberty out and say, "Bring me your whatever that saying is, right?" So, they're going to want that. All right. Um, so I think that's a route and I know Mrs. Zik my and the principles have have talked about that. I've also had um all three of them have said, "Look, I can take on more." Right? Even the teacher, everybody's everybody wants
047to see LPA succeed. And I'm not just blowing smoke right now, right? That's true. Everybody wants to see LPA succeed. Um I had met with a teacher today and um uh she said, "Man, I just love our teachers here. We have really good teachers here and we have really good staff." And I said, "Yeah, we do. Yeah, we do." So um I don't know if I've answered your question, Megan. Uh but yes >> partially like any like 25 30 >> well >> 20 >> it's going to vary because we have different numbers of grade different numbers of students for example this year's junior class >> there are 36 students or 34 >> this year's uh fourth grade class has >> 51 you know um I I can't give you that answer Megan because in my
048personal opinion I think we have to look at the grade as a whole. What kind of needs are in there? Um, you know, um, what's the behaviors like? Do we need extra extra support? So, it's going to be different. And I know you want an answer. >> It's going to be different for every grade. >> It could be different for every grade. Absolutely. Yes, Mr. Johnson. I I just want to add to Megan just to maybe help, maybe not, but we do have many area schools comparables like real time as far as what their class sizes are too. >> So really to try and stay competitive with that and not be out of bounds when it comes to making those decisions and and absolutely we can get that information to you so you can see
049it too. But >> that would be great. That would be and I'm just curious too like is special ed cost associated with those and both schools as well or is that like a separate contract? [clears throat] I know >> special ed is a a total and Scott Mast might even be on this and I do appreciate Scott um he's actually in Hawaii but he said he might be on this comm this meeting tonight. I appreciate working with Lake Aacy. You remember special ed costs get uh funded back from the state not as a total percentage. Uh but we have to look at our case numbers for our for uh the number of students we have. Okay. So special ed is kind of its own entity. It's really not per se in that >> okay >>
050per se. Um and I want to mention too just because let's just say this and I've seen this happen. I'm sure everybody in this room has uh June, July, and August. A lot can happen, right? A lot can happen. We might get an influx of 20 kids. We might get an influx, if that's even a word, 10 kids, right? Well, guess what? I one school district that was at, we got a huge influx of second graders. It just so happened to be that there was that kind of tipsy number by looking at the students that were in the class already the grade and the kids that were coming in. We hired another teacher. All right. That would be a great thing to happen in our district. Right. So, um I talked about that. Another thing
051that Mr. Meyer um and counseling department, Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. Mrs. Peterson have been looking at potentially. I believe we have to increase our college offerings in our school district and we're working very hard to um because colleges want the money too, right? Hey, you got this. Well, we're working very hard to uh a program that's going to be cheap compared to full PSO and maybe another program where students can take the classes. There's nothing we can do about PSO. It's state statute, right? I was talking to somebody the other day and the unfortunate thing when a student goes full-time PSO, we often don't see we don't get their grades, right? Because they're considered an adult now. So sometimes if the students aren't ready, it it could harm them in the long run because then
052they might be behind, right? I'm just I'm just throwing that out there. I'm not saying student might get as LPA. That's that happens. thing about offering on uh college courses too though is the elective teachers say well gosh I really want my students to take this class but the bottom line for me is I believe we have to create opportunities all right we're going to look at the 68 online program we're going to look at college courses for our students um I think we really need to build up our CTE program career and teched >> [clears throat] >> um do that and and create opportunities for our students And remember, it's a whether we like to hear this or not, uh we're in the consumer business, right? Just like every school, we want kids. Is
053you're talking, you know, class size is important, but we just got done with, you know, our high school is not that old and we have an elementary that's fairly new now. We should be looking at how do we best you know you know what can we handle within our classes and the size and maximize and create efficiency based on our building because part of the the study I'm sure told us that this is what this is built for. So for an example we have facilities that are not being successfully used. We get them put up but then we never go any further with it. So, we have some facilities that are probably a little different than our districts and we just we go to the other side of the pasture to look at the fence
054over there. So, as we move forward, take advantage of the greenhouse. Our tech space has got to be it's got to be as good as any. It's not that old, right? Is there a posit? I mean, can we take advantage of that? And going back to class sizes, I mean, we're not going to oversize our classrooms to max out our class sizes. We'll stay within what the building was designed for. Correct. >> Yeah. I when I think about the greenhouse and tech space, there's opportunities. Matter of fact, I >> I actually was talking to um uh a teacher the other day about the greenhouse and um you know, what are some other ways we can utilize the greenhouse for our district, right? I actually just talked to a teacher the other day about that. There's
055different ways, but I'm going to tell you this, Jay, and I'm going to tell this to everybody, and people aren't going to like to hear this. We have to hit rock bottom and then start back up. >> Y >> I am not looking forward, and I I probably sound weak. I'm not looking forward to telling people, "I'm sorry, but you're not going to have a job next year." >> All right? Maybe I'm too nice to be in this position. I don't know. I have been in those their shoes, but we have to make it right. All right. And part of me is working with the individuals that are in this room to make this right. So I'm not sure exactly if that probably doesn't answer your question, Jay, but we have to utilize our facilities
056to the best we possibly can if that's what >> and I think as we go through this, this is something that we can't forget about. >> Correct. >> I mean, there's certain things that we just did and it was supposed to help efficiencies and make a better flow. Are we capitalizing on that or do we have a room full of stuff that shouldn't be that you know just we got to look at the big picture and like you said break it down to the absolute base bottom >> and build it back up and that goes right to the utilization of our buildings. Do we have to have an out building being heated all winter long when we can pull in a classroom eliminate a class and and and migrate those and be more effective and
057open up another room within a heat of space already. I mean just talking out loud. No, look, I'm I'm willing to listen to anything wherever we can cut corners, right? I'm I'm not saying that negatively, but what I'm saying is where we can save some money. >> Megan, can I answer your question? >> Yeah, I'm good. I'm just thinking. I'm just thinking. Are we going to get a copy of like that budget breakdown? >> Um, here's the deal. I don't want to do that right now because it has >> sure >> some information on that I want to be able to share with individuals first. What I would like to know is where do you want us to go? Okay, I have a newspaper article coming out on Saturday and I will tell you right
058now, you're going to read this. I said we have to rightsize our district in the newspaper article, right? Some people are going to be upset with me. Whatever. That's fine. We have two community meetings coming up next week, right? I'm doing a video tomorrow that'll be sent out. What are the next steps? by state statute, we have to let teachers know. I believe it's March 15th, >> I believe. So, >> this is Frank and we have to let that know. But I tell you what, I I know there are a lot of districts right now and I I have to, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Meyer said this yesterday in the meeting and I, you know, I really appreciate working with the groups here and I know it looks like the unions, they were there yesterday, was
059it? I could have probably had them sooner, but I know the principal said there are some districts that are not utilizing a team approach to this [clears throat] and I really think that's at least from my perspective, it is a team approach. So, >> questions. >> I'd like to say as we have kids, kid families looking to open a role into our district right now, I've been sending some in and Mr. Johnson's been great in showing them around. They've walked in and they came back and told me that they did not know LPA was this wonderful. So, if we could, although we have the best videos out there showcasing our students, do a little more showcasing of our beautiful environment. >> Yep. >> Because they were floored. >> Yes. So, I um I agree with
060you, Susan, and actually um I think um 712 can we got to do a better job of showcasing 712 building. All right. I really I really believe that. I'm saying even just right out here they like we're looking at ele kindergarteners that we were going to go a different way and they came this way and they said holy cow. >> Okay. >> I know you're talking about just >> Yes. Just that not just as much the kids out there. Hey, here's our area this breakout space over here. We get up close and we see the kids out there. But this family was just in shock and I happened to I did child I did childcare for them. Like they're like, "Well, I said, "Look around. Go to different schools. It'll hit you." Cuz we when
061I picked out my school for my kids, my husband and I went around and we walked into LPA and we said, "Nope, this is it." And that family had that aha moment and I thought then I thought all weekend and I'm like, "Let's show more." Because Marge, remember when we were doing the walkthrough and they were building the new school? Marge said, "Oh, it should be on a billboard." Cuz we were told at the time people didn't even know we had a school in Ottabon, >> right? and we have so much to showcase. >> But man, if we can get them in kindergarten to keep it going, >> I think that's great. We'll we'll we'll definitely do a better job of showcasing the buildings and classrooms themselves. I know the elementary does a great job
062of showcasing the students in the classrooms. >> Um >> can I just talk about summer wreck real quick? Um community ed um you know that's that's something we need to severely look at. We have a huge deficit in community and that's something that we need to do through this process as well. One of the things that I believe our district has done in the past and and I'm I'm I'm working on it is we've paid coaches um and I I've said this before, we've collected money for programs and then we paid out that exact amount. Okay? Community ed should not operate like that. So, if if we had I'll just in simple terms, if we had 20 students sign up for ponytail softball, I'm not picking on ponytail. I'm just giving an example. And we
063collected, I don't know, $600 and we had two coaches. We didn't make any money on that. We paid it out. Okay. Um, we can't do that. All right. That's not how community ed programs should work. It's not supposed to be a money maker, right? But we got to put something in our coffers to lower that down. [clears throat] So that's something we need to look at. I want to let everybody know too, we will not be going through the school for older kids south older softball and older baseball. Okay? We've been collecting the money on that and then we give it to the organizations. We won't be collecting money for that anymore. They can do that themselves. Okay. Um, next steps. What would you like to see, board members? What do you want me, what
064do you want our team, administrative team, our groups to do going forward? Or do you have any questions or comments? I think we're at a point where we got to start. It is what it is. We know the, for lack of better terms, the fat that has to go and we know it. Everybody knows what that is. Make it obvious and here's what's going to happen so we know what that number means immediately. You know, some of the last things I think we touch are the supplies. I mean, we don't need teachers paying for that. We don't need to do fundraisers and kids sending texts out asking for money. Supplies would be kind of the last thing, but the obvious ones, you know, admin, you know, are just there's a pile of them that are
065obvious. Um, I think that's where we got to start. We got at least and everybody knows what that is. Let's make that this is going to be done and here's what it means and this who's impacted or what positions are impacted and what does that actually mean to us as a cost savings starting to um, you know, as the year goes on because you know these things should have probably happened last year because the snowball effect that we're having now. If we would have started last year, we would have had to cut less, but the longer we wait, the more it kind of compounds on us. >> I'm going to piggy back off of that too, Jay, because I'm sure, and I'm so sorry that my back is to you guys. I normally don't do
066that. Um, I'm sure everyone is aware, but just as a gentle reminder, if we don't make something happen now, the state is going to come in and do it for us, and it's not going to be on our terms and what's best for our school district. They're just going to do what they want. So, >> I did mention I did mention that. I'm glad you said that, Sarah. I did mention, and I don't know if it'll be brought up in the article, >> um, that the schoolboard members at LP are getting paid nothing. >> Okay? Because I'm sure people are going to say, well, the schoolboard members make this, you get paid nothing, and I did mention SOD at the end of June. I want everybody to know that that we're going to be in
067SOD at the end of June. >> Do we have to [snorts] be concerned about communication now being public from the state? Do we >> the state's got so much going on right now that I don't even see them >> on the communication though? It's just my thought. I feel like the the sooner it can come from the horse's mouth >> instead of everything else and other sources like >> you mean for [clears throat] the individuals that will be affected >> for our community. from status like saying hey you know we're going to be there we're doing this to be proactive like I got a ser like I just feel like if it's coming out in a paper I would have preferred to like not that it's about me but it seems like relationship e or
068more that's >> well actually in the video so I did a video today right and I did say in the video that we have to cut $1.5 million I actually said we have conferences next week no school next Friday and some to the effect if we have to cut 1.5 million. Now, I was going to send this up today. Then I thought, you know something? I want to see exactly what the board would like to do going forward. So, I um that video will go out tomorrow to talk about that, right? Is that what kind of >> Yeah, that's what I mean. I just feel like >> and if and if we want I I I could have waited for the article to be the following Saturday, but I wanted those date those Tuesday and
069Thursday >> to increase attendance. >> Yeah. Just just to clarify teachers this year there were not going to be any supplies ordered correct >> was that wasn't that in the cut >> starting this year I'm not sure >> from last summer I believe >> I don't know >> we were used to get like $800 a class and then I think it went to 500 so it keeps declining. Oh, I did. >> What was that? >> I made some changes. That was back in I don't know, August. July, August. Yeah, I took some of that away. >> So, to help offset the potential >> because initially it was before taking the market. >> Was that zero? >> That was that was the pay freeze for um all individuals, individual contract or u the group. It was
070going to be a pay freeze. No increase >> for supplies. >> We're talking supplies. >> We had to have our stuff in. There was an email that came out last spring that said you had to have everything ordered by I don't remember what >> that happens every spring. I think it was Are you referencing um like a budget proposal and I think on that it said >> supplies freeze, >> right? >> But I don't know that that's what you guys voted on. I don't >> I mean did you order any? >> I've ordered things. Yeah, it's kind of >> it's hit and miss because like for example, [laughter] you know, we have an art teacher sitting there, right? And I think we need clay. We need different things like that. So we honestly the principles
071probably got frustrated with me and said, "Well, can we do this? Can we do that?" >> No, we had to be picky and choosy. Obviously, clay, if you're going to have a clay class or whatever class is called, >> I I I just want a clarification cuz I thought that was >> Remember the list we received? I was up on them. >> I do not remember. >> Was that my list, Marge or was that >> No, no, I wasn't. >> Yeah. What we were going to cut and whatever it was was no pay, whatever. And then it was supplies. I thought it was >> I didn't think it said a freeze. I thought they cut down the amount, but I think >> I thought it was a freeze. Cut down. >> It doesn't matter. I
072just >> Either way, you can't teach a class without having supplies. Like that's the last thing I want to see as a teacher >> having to pay for something out of your own pocket. there. Honey, >> you put your sunglasses back on. >> So, like the science, I'm just going to throw this out there. The science department, $750 for three teachers. That $750 is gone. I still have half of the year left with chemistry. >> Yeah. >> You know, and there's dissections like that. It's not We don't have enough in the budget anyways. >> Yeah. We're already paying for stuff out of pocket and that's the way it goes. >> Sorry, but we pay a lot. >> So, how how do we put teams together, collaborate to get a better idea and procure purchases so
073we maximize, you know, our purchases instead of I mean, I don't know if this is happening, but when I was looking at some of the finance thing, do you see somebody went to Walmart, somebody went to Menards, and then somebody went to Walmart again with those credit card transactions? is like that kind of caught me off surprise as a board member just those little I mean I'm thinking >> are you talking about just recently >> no a year ago >> every everybody had a >> so I mean that that felt right or >> it was a card >> everybody got a card with a certain amount of money in it I think >> so can't we >> we don't do that anymore >> okay can't we collaborate >> we don't do that yes so we
074belong to um Sourcewell and which is a Have you heard source well. It's out of Staples and you know they have better I don't know bargain deals. So we do collaborate with that and I'm very picky on making sure that we get the best bang for our buck with biz and different things like that. >> Okay. I want to get back to Jay. You you had said that you know everybody knows who should be cut or whatever, right? Something like that. >> We know what needs to happen, >> right? >> Y >> we know we need to cut money. >> We know what the end goal is. It's We know admin is going to be impacted >> hands down. And then after that, we know that there's going to be a realignment of certain classes
075and such. >> So, how do we know what that looks like? Or how do you guys know what that looks like? And what does that mean to us financially as we start to move forward month after month after month >> start itemizing? Will our community forum meeting be asking the community as well how they feel or >> Yeah, I I think well I think it's important look I >> you know I have an idea of potential cost but that might be different than everybody else in this class or in this room here. I think it's important that we get feedback from the community, right? >> I guess what I'm kind of looking for is some direction. We have two community meetings coming up next week. Right. I know people are going to say, "Well, you
076got basketball games, you got conferences." I had to schedule it, right? I just did it. Um, I would like to start the community meeting introducing myself, say, "Where we're at is we need to cut $1.5 million. We're going to be an SOD, statutory operating debt. What does that mean?" Blah, blah, blah. And explain that and say, "Look, what are some things that you would like? What are some things that you like about LPA? What are some different things? I want to get the communication going. Does that make sense? I I don't know. Board members, what would you like to see at those community meetings? >> I want to know what's important to them and what they want to not see disappear. >> Okay. >> If that makes sense. If um I mean at the end
077of the day, yes, we have to do what we have to do, but if we are given some options and what's important to them and what's going to keep their kids in our building, we need to know that. Is there any way to like send out a survey? I mean, because it's so limited about the what kind of crowd you might get. Um, >> yeah, actually that's not my that was one of the things too, Megan. But I would like to kind of see what the community meeting goes first and then we'll send a survey out to um everybody l or that has access in the district school district. So that that is one thing. It'd be nice to keep it a simple survey, you know, not like 38 questions, >> maybe, you know, eight,
078nine, 10. And if you have ideas, please email me so I can get that going. >> The question is going to be why. Why are we here? Why is the district in this situation? And that's a fair question. Why are we here? Why didn't how did we get here? That is going to be whether or not you're transparent or not. That will go that's the folks that show up to this meeting are going to want to know why and they they're not going to want to be beaten around the bush. They want to understand why it is where it's at. And that's where we as a board will become transparent. >> We can also emphasize on where we're going with it and that we're right. >> Yep. There is that, but there is going to
079be the why. >> There's a lot of frustration there. So, how do we navigate that water? That's a really good question. >> I [laughter] mean, that's where you're going to either you're either going to gain that trust with the taxpayer to give us what after we get all this done. This ain't enough. We're going to have to do ask for more, but we need to show them that we are pulling our sleeves up and breaking it down to the bare bones. And now we got to build it back up. And part of that participation is going to be on the tax base eventually. Um, >> we are going to have to go for an operating referendum and I believe I said that to the person. Um, but we can't go out for one until we
080raise that. Absolutely. That's what I said. Remember, um, and I had presented, I don't know, last month, January, the different dates you could have an operating referendum that still needs to be on the table as well. Um, but we have to rightize the district. I I see where you're going at, Jade, and I want to make sure that um you know, I'm big on being transparent, but I also want to make sure that we're careful with whatever we say as a district, as a board, as a superintendent. >> We're not the only one in this, >> you know, in this mess. >> I just saw that Fargo is cutting 56. >> Frankly, I don't care what's going on outside of our district. Our focus is our district. >> I don't care if everyone else is
081successful. Everyone else is I'm saying a lot of the same problems are focused on that district. >> Yeah. We're focused on what is at hand here and why are we here and how are we going to handle that? The question is going to be asked and if the taxpayer doesn't feel like they get the honest answer then we're going to not be able to get that tax base later. >> We're going to have to answer our questions really well. >> Yep. [clears throat] >> Well, >> and have good answers. >> Yes. >> Okay. because some of this burden is based on we have to repay the state of Minnesota and that that needs to I mean make sure we understand that number and how much that means to us moving forward and when that's taken
082care of that's going to be a positive massive positive but we got two years okay so what I'm going to do then is I'm going to work on um our [clears throat] story our LPA story moving forward. Okay. And yes, people ask questions. I'll be transparent. [snorts] You know, I'm um we'll do what I can to not let our district down. And um you know, my goal is to move forward and get some of these students back. You know, we I believe we can do it. I really do. Um I think our our students we might be up a little bit compared to the beginning of the school year. Um, I know we've talked about that. Um, we have to Let me ask you a couple questions, board members. [snorts] Do you want me to
083pursue a transportation company coming in or not? Because we really we have these are the administrators. You talk about administrators. We have a full-time superintendent, a full-time high school principal, full-time middle school principal, full-time elementary principal, full-time technology, full-time building and grounds, full-time transportation, um, [snorts] and a full-time ad. Thank you, Sam. I heard someone say that those are the admin, right? So, as a district, we have to decide what are we going to do with ad because you brought up admin and that's true. That's a valid concern, right? Because if we cut teachers, like I said, we got to cut admin. Does that mean that we, you know, do we combine positions? What What would you like to see? Because [clears throat] I'm willing to take up more things as a superintendent. Um, whatever
084that looks like to help this district go forward and build it back up. There's a I told the lady today, there's a lot of tradition in this district. a lot of tradition and you know something the kids are great the [clears throat] students are great what are we going to look at the administrative structure that's a good question how are we going to look at that right thoughts what would you like to see me do we have all those administrators you know you have an option you know cut the superintendent to 25 75% do this do that um combined a couple positions. What direction would you like me to do? You want me to just figure it out and bring it back along with the potential cuts? >> What are your thoughts? >> I think
085you listen to the meetings and then we come back. I think we need to make an informed decision like if if we try to if we try to say hey yeah do this and then we get somebody that you know comes in and it's like hey if you [clears throat] do that I'm pulling my kids or it's going to either way at the end of the day we our biggest thing is we don't want the students to be affected >> correct >> and the other part we got to capitalize on our talents I >> mean we do have individuals that are strong in certain areas can we capitalize on And I would just be careful about saying stripping down to bare bones because then I think >> I know you're right. >> Are my kids
086going to miss out during this stripping down period >> and we don't want others to think that's the case. We need to make sure that like no. >> Yeah. And Megan, you know, you bring up a good point and I I feel bad. I'm the one that said bare bones. >> That's okay. >> You know, I guess I I could have done a good better best. You know, I just tried to [clears throat] I and I take full responsibility for the almost $2 million. All right? I'm not saying we have to cut 2 million, but if we want to we the ultimate goal is we have to take the emotion out of our decisions, start over, get this district back on the right track. But we can't lose focus and our main focus has got
087to be our students. Yeah. And as we make our decisions, we want to make sure nothing takes away from their education, >> right? >> Yeah. Least impactful. >> Correct. >> Absolutely. >> But guess what? >> We want to say least impact impactful, but if you ask 10 people what the most least impactful thing is on students, you're going to get 10 different answers, >> right? >> You get 10 different answers. So, I think it's really important if Aaron said this to listen or Marge, we [clears throat] have to listen to the community, right? Yeah, I >> think we have to we have to hear what are some of the things they want. They're going to ask questions, right? Okay. They're going to ask questions. They're going to say, "Okay, well, what about this? What about
088that? How do we move forward?" You know, I really want to say, "Yeah, we got to move forward with our district. We have to We have to get some of these students back." And I and I'm going to work really hard, board members. We all are going to work hard getting our students back. and getting students to come to LPA. >> I think it's really great if we listen to the community first as well. >> We have to. >> Yep. Well, I mean, before [clears throat] we make any executive decisions, correct? Listen to >> and I will send a survey out >> um as well too, Megan. I I have that on my list and I'll work on that. >> The transportation, I think we're silly not to look at it. >> Okay. >> But
089I think we also have to take in consideration the facilities that they're in because those aren't going to last forever. And what's [clears throat] the what are we looking at for are they in good shape? Are they not in good shape? And if they are not if they're going to cost us down the line, are they marketable right now as we sit? And can [snorts] we sell that [clears throat] building and take that to help us offset some of our our needs and help supply our classrooms? question on the transportation because you had talked about [clears throat] cost efficiency better wise is long-term is to have a vendor short-term is to keep it in house >> correct >> what >> just I'm trying um if we choose to do the vendor what is the upfront
090cost like when we do that contract let's just say we do a one year or threeear contract with them what does that look like financially for us in the front end and then what does that look like financially for us in the back end? Are we paying throughout those three years? >> So, here's the deal and I've done a lot of research on this because you first do an request for a proposal. >> All right? There's a number of bus companies. Their job is to make money, >> right? The research I've done [clears throat] across this upper part of Minnesota and central Minnesota is that they'll get you into a really good contract about the first 3 years. They might say, "Hey, let's sit down. We'll do a contract. They'll buy all your buses, your
091vans. They might even rent out the space in Lake Park in Ottaba." It's that second contract when they say, "I think we're going to raise it up a little bit." Right? And guess what? were handcuffed because we just sold all our buses and the cheapest a bus you can get is about 150,000. So that's the problem that I see. You know, we're kind of in that that sink or swim thing right now. Do we keep it internal? Do we keep it external? Right? >> Um do we took take building and grounds and couple that with transportation? Do we do it? These are all questions that honestly I've been thinking about a lot. I keep going through my brain, through my head, waking up in the middle of life. What do we do? You know, just
092like everybody else in this room, Harris. >> Yeah. But isn't the end goal is not to be in dire needs in couple years for transportation? >> Oh, yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. And you know, >> so we might not have to look three years down the road. >> No, I have a >> Right. Yeah. Absolutely. I'm just >> He's saying if we sold it. >> If we sold it. Yeah. >> Yeah. But >> or if we Yeah. did it out. So with all of that being said, because we had talked about, you know, the other possibility is like a diesel mechanic and bringing them on. Would it benefit us instead of selling and going to a vendor to combine management slash diesel mechanic? Would that save us money so we're not shipping our buses out to DL
093to be fixed and oil changes and gas to get there and back and >> drivers to take them there and back? I mean, would that be beneficial for us to have somebody in house as kind of a oneman band? >> It's possible. Here's the issue is I'm I I'm not I can't fix things very well, right? I don't know if we have enough good product or materials or items to use in our bus garages. When we when I was in another district diesel mechanic, he brought all his own tools, [snorts] >> right? But he also said, "I'll bring my own tools, but he got $80,000 just to be the diesel mechanic." >> Yeah. >> And I But it's not a bad idea. We'd have to advertise for a transportation/Del mechanic person. >> Just a thought.
094I mean, because yes, the cost I mean, they're expensive because not a lot of people do what they do, right? >> But >> I mean, I don't disagree. I think in the long term to just give up everything we have is scary because we have no idea where that puts us >> in three years and >> the last thing we need when we finally get out of this financial crisis is to put ourselves back into one. >> You're absolutely right. You couldn't say it more. >> That's [clears throat] what I was trying to say. >> You're right. >> Make a decision we regret. >> Yeah. I mean >> I don't like contracts. >> I I don't disagree with you. [laughter] Um I mean I don't know. For me, I we can look at it and
095I want to compare things so we can make that informed decision, but it does worry me to just give up what we have and for an unknown in 2, three years, whatever it may be. >> If the district were to take that, we would as a district would not want to think you're never going to be back in a bing industry because then you're in trouble. >> Yeah. >> What you'd want to do is be a temporary fix. >> Yes. with a plan to get back into it and put yourself in a lot better position we are now ultimately it's not an easy transition but if it helps us least impact our students >> it's up to I think we'd be silly not to look at it and again would it be forever no because
096businesses are in the business to make money >> I mean that's what they're there for but if it could help us get us through the next three to five years but meanwhile be putting it back into the bank and ready to pull the trigger to get back into the business and if the vendors know that you're serious about that and you're disciplined about that, they'll take care of you for quite a while and hopefully you create that relationship and a good partnership. Not one it's a win and the other one's losing, >> right? >> Well, I do agree with Aaron. Contracts, you got to read through contracts, right? >> Um I'm not a big fan of contracts, especially long-term. Um you know, we signed some things over three years just and we get a 8
097to 10%. John McDonald, I talked to him. He said, "We'd save 10%, but we signed it for contracts for three to four to five years. I don't know if I want to do that because then that handcuffs into that contract, right?" Um, okay. So, here's what I'm hearing. All right. We're going to see how the community meetings go Tuesday and Thursday. All right. I would like to set up a continue to engage the educational stakeholders we have here. Um maybe the principles, myself and the executive committee could meet again in the near future, but I would really like to, you know, if anybody can make it next week, I'd really appreciate it. If one or two board members can make it, that would be great. Um I like [clears throat] >> and Wednesday for sure.
098>> Yes. for the for the 4 day week. >> Wednesday for sure. If you want to come, it's 4 to 5. I'll try to get somebody to help record it. Um, again, I'm providing information. We are providing information so you can make an informed decision. Okay. >> Have cake. It's my birthday next week. [laughter] Cake and >> Yeah. Could you bring some host? >> Is it Wednesday? >> No. Um, the 19th. It's not the day we're >> Thursday. >> Oh, it is the day. >> Well, that's right. You can bring tape before that. >> No, I [laughter] >> um Is there anything else board members? I Is there any other questions or comments that you want to say? I Please do so now. >> Uh summer the wreck. I want I think we really need
099to get after that. >> Okay. >> And let's start organizing it and let's start collaborating and let's make it more robust than it's ever been and then better financially. I I I really feel like we could really unite as everybody and get a bigger impact. >> Okay. >> And that could draw in our next >> Oh, by the way, the transportation for summer raider care that's included in the cuts. It's about $16,000. Okay. So, that is one of the things that um I know cognitive individuals who were here last summer got to be somewhat of a problem. >> [clears throat] >> Um, I'm not blaming anybody or anything like that. >> The reading thing or the raider care? >> The raider care. >> Is the reading uh >> Raider Academy for the Yeah, for the
100for the reading. >> Oh, is that Oh, okay. I'm sorry. >> Yeah. >> Uh, care raider academy, but it's the Raider Academy that we have here. >> So, we have community ed, we have summer wreck, right? Community Ed's the umbrella, and you have summer rack, everything else. Who is on the summer wreck committee? Does anybody know? Because we really should probably have a schedule meeting in the near future with that. >> Community? >> I'm on community. >> And you are I got kicked off now, but I can. She [laughter] stayed on the um >> I know Ross sent out a meeting invit I could go back on as a >> You were on there. I saw your name. You can >> I could go back on a >> Oh, then after I could be as
101>> Okay. So, good. We'll have a meeting then coming up. So, um anything else board members that you want to ask that you want to say? >> Will you go into further depiction later on uh the cuts like the 110,000 in community yet and stuff? I don't think >> Yeah, these are just options. Remember that. Okay. I don't >> these are just options. um the best bang for our buck. You're right. It's not going to be the supplies. It's going to be staff, teachers, admin, right? Because 75 to 80% of our budget, every school's budget is that. >> So, so what we'll do is we'll have the community meetings next week, 4 to 5. We're here in Ottabon, 4 to 5. Please post that, Susie, if you would. I think I already mentioned it. Anything
102else? >> Community meetings start at 5 you said, right? >> Correct. Yes. >> And then Wednesday is 4 to 5. >> Yeah. for the summer wreck program. Do you have to be a student? >> No. >> In LPA to do that? Okay. >> You don't you didn't >> I've had many kids in golf that have been from DL even some from Holly. >> Okay. >> Is there anything else from the principles or from the union group there that would like to say anything? >> I just want to say thank you. This is tough stuff livelihood. So appreciate it. >> Keep an eye on that timeline that was given out in November. >> Yeah, we don't. >> I know, but things change. >> I mean, it's a rough draft, but just >> the March 15th is
103a pretty serious date, right? So >> I know. Okay, >> that would break statute. So >> I get it. Thank you for saying that. And that's that's it. So we'll um we'll see you next every day. >> Say that one more time. Just remind them every day. >> Jade, today's Wednesday. It's been five days in a row. [laughter] >> Thank you everybody. >> I don't have anything else unless anybody else has. >> Sounds good. >> Thank you. Thanks for >> recording. Uh six meetings 4.1 regular monthly school board meeting February 23rd 2025 5:30 p.m. Lake Park Adaban High School meeting center media center and meeting is adjourned.