001At this time, I would like to call to order the October 27th, 2025 meeting of the Harker Joint One School District Board of Education. Can I have a roll call, please? >> Mr. >> President, >> here >> as well. >> I'm here. Thank you. This is a meeting of the board of education in public for the purpose of conducting the district's business and it is not to be considered a public community meeting. There is a time for public participation during the meeting as indicated in the agenda. Any district resident or parent of a currently enrolled student wishing to speak should have filled out a card located on the signing table and given it to the board secretary. At this time, we will do the pledge of allegiance. Don, would you lead us tonight? >> Thank
002you. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. [cough] [clears throat] >> Item number three is to consider the approval of agenda. The agenda notes the board's mission. We will support our community through dedicated governance, leadership, and stewardship so that our students achieve. It also states our values and expectations as a board in governing our meetings. The purpose of the agenda approval is twofold. The first reason is to verify that public notice has been given according to state statute 19.84. Mrs. Hoffman, has the meeting been properly noticed? >> Yes. Thank you. The second reason for approval of the agenda is to consider tableabling an item or to rearrange the order of events. Were there
003any requests for second? Then I would look for a motion. >> I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? [clears throat] >> Motion carries. Uh item number four is the citizens delegation to be heard. Were there any? There are not tonight. Um item number five is the board president's report. So um tonight we just have two minor things. The first I'm going to start with is that Dr. Vil Lobos is going to speak in a little bit about a board development tool. Um it was linked in your agenda that we received earlier uh last or later last week. So it's a little different. You put your name in once you click on the link and then it's a survey that it will take
004you through. So we utilize that to gather data from the board and then put together um a report so we can develop as a board together. So encourage you all to do that. If it's possible, could we have it done by I don't know. Is it is a week is a week too too early? Can we get it done in a week? >> Remember to do >> is done. Okay. I have >> There's no gold star today. Actually, there is for you. Okay. [laughter] >> All right. So, let's just try to get it done. I'll I can send a text reminder to everyone. >> Okay. I'll send a text reminder, but let's try to have it done in the next week or two just so that it's I'm I'm a person who will forget if
005we drag it on too long. So, it's important for us and a good tool that we can utilize as we move forward. Um, and the other thing I just wanted to touch on here is that October 2nd there was a regional WASB meeting in which our very own board member Luis Shrunk was was recognized for her dedication and involvement with the WASB and in that she was promoted to a level two and so she gets to not get a gold star but a little bit of recognition. So I would just like to applaud Louise for all of her additional time outside of the If I could have the board members come around, we'll get a picture with Miss John. share with me. Smiles. Thank you, Louise. Item number six is our district administrative report. So
006let's turn it over to Dr. Vobos. Thank you very much, Miss Will. The very first thing that I wanted to share is about the third Friday membership count. Um, you did hear Mr. Majeris speak about our enrollment during his part of the presentation. Uh the pupil count this year was reported at 1560 students. In terms of school safety drill reports, all three of our school buildings have been participating in their uh drills this fall and have done a fantastic job. I would also like to say typically we focus on the school buildings because that's where all of our students are as well as the majority of our staff teams and any visitors that we have. But uh in the background, our district office is also working during these drills. And so the district office did
007a really nice job this year of responding to each drill. We spaced them out this year so that way we could be responsive and make sure that we could improve our own practices here. So all around everything has been done as required and all reports uh were submitted. Then in terms of district updates, you should have received uh the information from me regarding our final ribbon cutting. So, we had Rossman in September, Central was earlier this month, and Lincoln is next month on November 13th at 5:30 p.m. So, we're sticking with the 5:30 and the Thursday. Uh, just moving it to November, and that will plan on having that right outside the beautiful new Lincoln Blue Lion logoed entrance. Uh, it's stunning. And so, um, that is where we will plan to be. uh weather
008permitting. And so um that has been posted this evening or posted uh at the same time as all of the documents for this evening were posted. Another district event that's coming up is District History Fair. That is just after the uh ribbon cutting. So that will be the following week on Tuesday. That will be held at Central Middle School from 3:30 to 4:30 much like it was last school year. And then in terms of legislative updates, I did attend the W uh the WASDA regional meeting last week, Thursday. We talked a little bit about the state budget um being a bipartisan compromise. We talked a little bit about uh the tax breaks that are coming in. You heard Mr. Majurus talk a little bit uh about um some of the other implications of the budget.
009Uh when that was approved, one of the things that did come up which I thought I would uh share was that uh Glenn Brothman has been really helpful with conversations surrounding IDA which is for our students. And then uh in terms of special education funding, one of the big things that came up was um the categorical aid for special education funding giving a little bit of an increase for the first time in a while. um that will go 42 and a half um% 45% and then high cost special education aid. I did want to touch base on that just a little bit more in depth because that is not the same thing as our regular special education categorical aid. That is only for our students who are high cost to the district. So we're talking
010about a very very small percentage of students across the state of Wisconsin, very small number of students here in our own district that we are getting reimbursed at that 90%. So while we are appreciative of that, that is not a huge impact on the the budget. So those are just a few of the updates u from last week's meeting that I wanted to share with you. And then in terms of board updates, I did share during my report during the annual meeting about our four board goals and the KPIs. One of the things that Mr. Rajlo and I discussed last week was the district performance dashboard. And I can tell that I am with a true technology expert when I give him a spreadsheet and he is more excited about it than I am and
011by the end of the day has already come up with a draft for our local report card. So, I'm very excited about that. And as an administrative team, we are working our way through the KPIs. Um, so that way we can bring those to you for a further more detailed update sometime in the early new year. I would imagine we'll have a little bit more of an update for you. But remember, this is the part of the process that I said takes about a year um to get through. Uh, then the state education convention is the next thing that I wanted to share. We did talk about this at the last board meeting. Amy is going to be registering us on November 3rd uh at 800 am. That sounds like a very specific time. It
012is. She is actually not working that day. So, she's coming in special to register, those of us who are interested in going to that conference. So, uh if you are interested, please reach out to her or her and myself um before that day so that way she can get us registered. November 3rd is the day registration opens. So, if you want to get it done right away. And then the schoolboard development tool. I thought that Miss Wilk uh did a nice job covering that, but that is in your commentary. If you click on that link, uh it's right there for you. If you have any concerns or can't find it or access it, just please reach out to either myself or to Amy and we'd be happy to help you. >> That's it. Excellent. Um
013next section here is our discussion section. We're going to start with an administrative report from food services. So, Miss Splitter is going to provide a brief up uh overview of the updates. What's going on there? Hello. Hello. Um we are off to a good start this year in food service. Uh we're a bit short staffed at Central. Um but our team has really stepped up and they've been working really hard to maintain the same level of service for our students as we always have. Um, some of the teaching staff has also been helping us out on the registers. We're really thankful to Lori for supporting us in that way and letting us borrow her staff. Thank you. Um, let's see. Our most recent hire at Central has been a really great addition to our team.
014We She's fitting in really well. We really appreciate her. Um, let's see. Since switching food vendors this year through the Wisdom Co-op, we've noticed uh good quality products and a a wider variety of products as well, not just with them, but with our produce vendor as well. So, it's been a a good switch. Uh the deliveries have been timely and the new procurement team has been really easy to work with. So, that's been nice. Uh and then just as far as updates in the Lincoln kitchen, those have been really wonderful. My staff loves all having all the extra space and the freezer and the cooler. Um, we're really excited for the new receiving and storage area to be completed. That's coming along well. So, hopefully we'll be able to start taking deliveries there soon and
015save our drivers a few thousand steps. So, that's all that's been going on in food service. >> Those couple things. >> I will tell you that uh Sarah and her teams have been having to make a lot of adjustments with construction and how we get deliveries and again the staffing. Um, so again, she's done a great job trying to manage her way through that. Like she said, when Lincoln finally gets done and they can have their stuff where it belongs and not in a classroom or all over the place or getting food deliveries out in front of school and running it through the hallways and instead just pulling up right by the cafeteria um or by the um receiving area, it'll be a lot better. So again, kudos to her and her staff. she's they've
016had to go through a lot of stuff just like a lot of our staff especially at Lincoln school um with all the things that have been happening over there. So um you should be proud of what they've done. >> Thanks for that. Are there any questions from the school? >> I have a question just to thank you. I mean nothing's been skipped a beat. I mean my child is still getting fed so it's all good. That's our top priority. Get the same bed. >> Thank you very much. The next item for discussion is the achievement gap reduction or AGR fall report. This is the fall progress AGR map and reading updates. I will turn it over to Miss Smford. Thank you, Dr. Wil. Um so the baseline enrollment goals are shared annually. Um this report
017really provides a snapshot um of the fall student performance in both math and reading. And so it does offer us some valuable insights on student funding. Um as you know and as Dr. mentioned earlier, we updated the application to include new goals in global craft and reading that um this time incorporates both local and national assessments. So although this update allows for a more comprehensive view of the skills in in math and reading, it's important to remember that this really is just a few measures among many that really reflect academic success and opportunity. Um so the snapshot in front of you helps us better understand baseline performance and guides our goals for continued progress. I will specifically speak to the district report which is highlighted in purple. You also have the elementary school reports. Rosman
018is in red and Lincoln is in blue. So we'll start with math. Um on the number corner assessment we are looking at the baseline percentage of students who have met end of year grade level expectations. So we look at kindergarten according to the math number corner assessment 55% of students met the grade level standards at the start of the year. Um since this assessment will not directly correlate to 100 again mid year um we've added as math um assessment to the mix which really is a better measure of student growth. So on the Ames concepts and applications assessment, um what we're looking for is we're looking at students who performed at either average all the way up to well above average on the assessment. And in kindergarten, 66% of students um performed either at average
019or up to well above average. And the goal is to meet and even better exceed um 85% of ours to get to that point. Um, in first grade, you'll notice 54% of students met grade level expectations on number corner and 68% performed at average or above average on the needs assessment. In second grade, 56% of students met grade level expectations on number and 50% of students performed at average or above average. In third grade, 32% met grade level standards on the baseline or upper corner and 56% demonstrated average to well above average on the aims concepts and application assessment. So in math excitingly you know we can see areas of success and also opportunities for continued work and strategic planning. Um so we look forward to connecting on this data mid year um after our
020our winter assessment and then We can take a look at reading. Reading similar to MATH, these assessments now include both local and national assessments to give us more of a comprehensive picture of student performance. So if we look at kindergarten, um one of the subs skills that gets measured throughout the school year is blending. And um on that assessment for blending syllables, we have 60% of our kindergarters who met level standards already in fall. Um, and the goal is to again either meet and even better exceed 85% of our students by the end of the year. Um, we look at blending sounds, which is a much more complex skill, foundational skill, but more complex. 9% of students met that that goal already. And then if we take a look at the Ames assessment, very excitingly,
02186% the students performed at either average up to well above average for the letter word soft with the assessment and 91% on the letter meaning assessment in first grade 54% met the end of year benchmark in lending 15% in segmenting again a much more complex skill last year when we looked at our first graders who met the goal end of year was well about 80% of those students met And then for the English assessment for vali fluency, 84% of students perform at average to well above average. And we're looking for that 85%. In second grade performance in substituting final sounds, 18% of students met that end of year benchmark. In deleting sounds, that included 25% of our students. And on the Ames comprehension assessment, 82% demonstrated that average total of average. Finally, in third grade,
02265% of students demonstrated energy performance in the substituting final sounds. 70% in deleting sounds. They met the end of the year goal and 82% demonstrated average to well above average performance on the Ames reading comprehension assessment. So, we are really excited for continuing work and to measure the continued progress and success and literacy all around. We're very proud where we've landed and and excited for the work ahead. So, stay tuned um for more on that in November with our spotlight on learning and winter when we review student performance again. Any questions for the speaker? >> I have one. [clears throat] Can you remind me the 85%. Why did we choose the 85% as a number? I know we've discussed this, but just a refresher because I can't remember. >> Um, well, we're seeking 100%, right?
023Um, that's it's always been 85% when we're looking at EGR. >> Is that statewide or federal number or that's just >> It was a local decision. We're in for 100. >> That wasn't too much thought. Maybe you just answered it. When we see some of the numbers that are at like 82 or 84% and we're go our goal is 85 and it's the beginning of the year. Then I'm like do we bump do we bump it out since we're already so close. So could we would we ever put him there? Like we want 100% because we're already at we're closing in on 90. >> Dr. Mr. and myself actually were a conversation about that and I think we'll continue to monitor the goals this year especially with the theme branding goals and the application and
024we could certainly make some adjustments. Do you see any significance gaps that we should or that we should all be focused on or be aware of other than I mean it's just in your opinion? In my opinion, I think our continued um focus on those foundational skills in reading, which would be the phmic awareness, the blending and the segmenting because skills build off of each other, right? And so, if we can kind of lay that foundation and make sure that our students can blend and segment um and substitute sounds, then that's going to increase their opportunities to comprehend text. And so that's really been the focus of our phonics program and also the professional learning that our teachers have engaged in this year is how can we um develop these high leverage strategies to help
025our students be able to blend and to segment and to substitute sounds because that is going to impact um their comprehension. >> And last question, anything that surprised you on these numbers as far as good or bad? surprised me. I was really excited to see the, you know, 80s looking at the um data and our teachers had a chance to really dig into that during our database because, you know, we're looking at when students maybe need additional support. And so, um, I wouldn't say anything surprising. I think I just got really excited when we could engage teachers in those conversations, um, to make sure that we're meeting the needs of all students in our in our classrooms. So for kindergarten reading under benchmark phonics 9% that doesn't surprise you exactly >> which one are >>
026uh kindergarten reading uh benchmark phonics blending sounds >> that doesn't surprise me because the goal is for them to reach nine out of 10 or re reach that proficiency level by the end of the year. So that's telling us that 90% of our students who came in already have that skill, whereas they're going to learn and work on that skill in their kindergarten year. >> So um and then when I look at our previous year's data and I see that we have the single digits as far as percent of students who can blend and I compare that to where they ended at the end of the year, you're up to 80% of our kindergarteners or 85% of our kind now can demonstrate that skill. Best sign is that our teachers are teaching that skill and
027the students are learning that skill. >> Okay. >> And I'll say I'm excited now that the 4K program this year. I'm really interested to see what the numbers will look like next year with those additional 4K students that we are already you know helping those numbers should definitely look better the first time next year. I would just hoping We'll see. >> To be determined. >> Good discussion. Anything else? Item number three on discussion is our policy technical corrections. I'm going to pass it over to Dr. Leos. >> Sure. >> Um, nothing that I didn't share with you already. I shared all of the technical corrections with you back in September. I know that you've had a chance to look them over and ask any questions. So if you have anything else um happy to answer
028them otherwise no update. >> Same thing for administrative guideline revisions and the policy first reading I'm going to just put them all in there. The policy first reading was the 2431 intercolastic athletics that new policy was review um and then to be an action item in November but that is because we have some sports happening and it's a good idea to add that. >> Correct. So this is actually a policy that was a technical correction for districts who already had this policy. So not a huge change for them, but we did not have this policy yet being that we have not had athletics that were ours until last year. And so Mr. Stevens went through this policy carefully. Um this policy indicates that the board recognizes the values of the programming for not only the
029school district but also the community and um also believes that it's the purpose of the intercolastic program to provide the benefits of an athletic experience to as large a number of students as feasible within the district. So, some of the main tenants of that are um to allow the students an opportunity to exercise and test their athletic abilities in a context greater and more varied than what's within the parameters of the specific school, which is what's allowable through the Brave Conference that Mr. Stevens has um allowed us to join um through his work with that conference. And then fostering the growth of school loyalty. We've talked a lot about school spirit and school pride at all of our schools, but particularly at Central, especially as we were going through the construction process and branding in
030the office. And so, this has been a great opportunity to foster that school loyalty and school pride as well as an interest in athletics for our students. Um, helping to teach the values of competition and good sportsmanship. Uh, learning to lose is a good learning to lose graciously is a good skill to possess. And so, something that we can teach our students now. And that leads right into the last tenant of this policy, which is that yes, winning is nice, but it really is about that opportunity for growing our students collectively and not solely focused on winning. So, um I won't go through any more of it. U but you can see the rest of the um options that Mr. Stevens has reviewed and checked that align with the practice that we have right now.
031Any questions or comments about any of those technical administrative or policy meetings? >> Again, these are just discussion. That one will come to a vote in November. [clears throat] That brings us to district business. Yes. >> Um action item number one, policy revisions. 01000 definitions. I don't I don't think >> Okay. are all in front of you highlighted in bright yellow. This list includes revisions of current policy for legal and district alignment purposes. Is there a motion? A motion to approve the list of policy revisions? >> I'll second. Any discussion? >> I have one. um under the 0144.5 board member behavior. It's not it's more of a comment, but as we approach the application process for candidates running for school board, um I was reminded of all our expectations as a board member. We are
032only a board of five. We only have one meeting a month normally and I feel like it's very critical that we are present to be the voice of our constituents. So my ask is just you know if you're seeking to be reelected um let's make sure that we're here at meetings and participate because it's for the good of the kids. Any other comments or questions with that? Um, all of all approved. All in favor say I, please. >> I. >> Any opposed? [clears throat] >> Motion carries. Item number two is the Head Start inter agency agreement for the 202526 school year. This is an agreement between the Harford Joint One and the West Ben School District, Washington County Head Start program. The purpose of the agreement is to facilitate cooperative efforts between Head Start and
033Harper Jen's early education special education early childhood special education program in the provision of appropriate services for the 3 to 5year-old children with disabilities. Head Start is a countywide program devoted to educating low-income preschool children ages three through five and their families. This agreement outlines procedures for identification and education of preschool age children with IEPs. [clears throat] students return to our district then for 5K. Is there a motion? >> Motion to approve the 202526 Head Start inter agency greeting. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Don. Second. Any discussion? >> This was uh placed on the agenda by Miss Eing and so it is a continuation of the agreement that has been in place. So, it's something that the district has approved in the past. Seeing no other questions or comments, all in favor? >> I. >>
034Any opposed? Motion carries. Item number three is the purchase of scoreboards for Central Middle School. The purchase of two scoreboards for Central Middle School is the proposal to the south of board members on October 7th. as uh via phone calls because we needed to make a decision um to replace the original 34y old scoreboards which began having operational problems right as we ramp up sports again. Um so I'm looking for a motion make a motion to approve the purchase of scoreboards for Central Middle School at the cost not to exceed $19,61810. >> I'll second. Any questions, comments, discussion? >> I just wanted to share that one of the questions that came up from one of our board members was if we have already ordered these, do we still have the capability of fundraising? And my
035answer has been yes. Um that we could still do that through a PTO or another organization. But I wanted to say I was at a different school district's event this weekend that my child was participating in and they have done the same thing with some of the equipment in their district where they made an announcement at the run that all proceeds from this event will go to support these items that were just purchased by the district. So, um it's been done before. So, even though the approval um may be granted ahead of time, um that it can still be fundraised for later on if desired. [clears throat] Any other questions? Seeing none, Miss Linder, could you do a roll call vote, please? Ian, >> yes. >> Don, >> hi. >> Louise, >> hi. >> Aaron,
036>> hi. >> And I'll vote I. Motion carries. Item number four is snow removal agreement for the 2025 26 school year. Administration recommends the renewal of an agreement with stocks landscaping for snow removal during certain large snowfalls during the 2025 26 school year. The district's equipment and staffing is capable to remove snow up to 4 to 6 in. But when there are significant storms or large piles, we need someone with large equipment to assist in the efforts. Maintenance communicates with Socks before each snowfall to determine if their services are necessary. Signing this agreement secures the district's place in SOCK's customer order. And sorry, I lost my place. And equipment and staff can be reserved to help in those instances. The cost is $175 per hour with a two-hour minimum. Is there a motion? Motion to
037approve the renewal of the 2025 26 snow removal agreement with stocks landscaping at a cost not to exceed $1,400 per event. >> I'll second. >> Any discussion or questions? >> I'm assuming we got three extra proposals or we're just >> Yeah. So, we've we've talked to we've talked to Curb Appeal in Slinger. We've talked to Advance um south of town. We've talked to socks and um yeah the for what we are looking to do again [clears throat] it's difficult because we are not having them provide services for the entire season for all of our um locations. Um and so there's only certain vendors that are willing to do that. Again, Mr. Carol met with um the socks representatives and um talked through how it how it worked last year, how things will work this year.
038Again, we're just trying to reserve this for the biggest events so we can get things kind of opened up and cleared out so that our guys can go after it then after we get that all kind of opened up. >> Do we need their services this past snow season? We used them um in a couple instances last year. I think we spent $2,100 I think is what we ended up spending for that last year. Yeah. So again, we're not we're not looking necessarily to spend tens of thousands of dollars. Of course, uh, mother nature will dictate that and not us. But, um, we will try to if we're getting a snowfall like that, it's likely that school, um, the operation of school is going to be impacted or cancelled. Um, and again, then we have
039a little bit more leeway in terms of when they can get here and help us out in those instances. So, um, that's really again what we're looking for is is the big dumps. >> And I assume that's why it's challenging to find because they want they want to commit and get more. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. And we've talked about doing that again. We've talked about that several times since I've been here and we've we've had um services that have done it and then we we mostly done it over the last 30 years. We've done it mostly. There was a time where we used a service didn't really work the way we thought and it was very expensive. Um, so since we do have the equipment, including some of the new equipment that you've approved
040over the last couple months, um, we think we can handle the large majority of that stuff. It's just the the big instances >> with global warming. It'll never happen. >> Well, we'll see if you if you want to place a if you want to place a gentleman's wager on that outside the meeting. We'll see. We'll see how that works out. >> There's no other questions. Miss Linder, could you do a roll call vote, please? >> Aaron, >> I. >> Louise, >> Ian, >> I. >> Don, >> I. >> And I'll vote I. >> Motion carries. Item number five is the district health insurance plan for 2026. Administration recommends a health insurance plan change to increase deductibles from,500 for single, 3,000 per family, to 2,000 for single, 4,000 per family. This will also increase the maximum
041out of pocket limits. Accordingly, this change is an increase of 5.54% as compared to rolling over our current plan, resulting in a $70,000 less resulting in $70,000 less of an increase in the district's health insurance cost. Many of the other elements of the plan will not change. Is there a motion? >> Motion [clears throat] to approve 2026 district health insurance plan. >> I'll second. >> Discussion or questions? Just follow up. >> Adam and I have discussed this at length much like we discussed the budget that was presented uh in the last meeting, but um with the rising costs and the funding that situation that we're looking at, we know that we need to tighten things up where we can. And so in looking at the plan that was presented to us, the carryover plan from
042this year to next year being about an 8 and a half% increase and this plan with just a slight increase or Adam and I refer to it as a tier one increase um being at a five five and a half% increase, we felt like that was a a good opportunity to ease our staff towards this and also save the district some money. I mean, health insurance costs are significant to the district as you can imagine and even a 1% um when we can save 1% here and there when you're talking about um 2 and a.5 million give or take just for premiums and things to run the plan and then the other things that we do in terms of um HA contributions and and uh wellness contributions and such. Um, we just feel like uh
043we have to um at least take a look at what other districts are doing and kind of what a a market average would be and this would certainly get us closer to maybe where um the market averages would be in terms of deductibles. Again, co-pays and such are not changing. Um the the co- insurance element is not changing. We're planning to keep HA and wellness contributions the same as well. So, um still making a significant investment in keeping our people insured with a quality program and again staying with United Healthcare's choice program. Um we can cover the large medical systems. So as we talked about in here um with Aurora and Ascension and ProHealth and Freighers and still be able to use Children's Hospital for those uh instances as well. Um and trying to cover
044the fact that we have that live kind of all over the place and trying to have health systems covered um that they probably would use closer to their home. >> I mean, it's not a bad I wish part of me wishes I had the same opportunity for health insurance, but it's I mean, it's not it's not great, but it's not terrible, you know, given public market out there. So, >> or the non-government market, I guess. >> So, even though it's an increase, it like a lower increase than others. >> Yeah, we're trying our best. >> I mean, I think it's way better than high school. That's you know, >> if there's no other comments roll >> Ian >> I. >> Don >> I. >> Aaron >> I. >> And I'll vote I. >> Motion carries.
045Item number six, final budget adoption for the 202526 school year. Uh the proposed final budget appropriate staff and enrollment changes. That's the initial budget adoption. We discussed this earlier. The budget includes certification of state equalization aid, a third Friday PE account, and final tax levy. The fund 10 budget is balanced and will increase the mill rate for the first time in 13 years from $3.75 to $3.98, which is an increase of 6.13%. Is there a motion? >> Motion to approve the final 2526 district budget of 35,860,106 86,10. Thank you. Second. I'll second. >> Any questions, discussions? I know we just did have our annual meeting before this where I give kudos to both Dr. Vobos and Adam for presenting all the information to us. I thought it was very well done. But if there are
046addition >> Yeah, I I I do too, Erin. Um, I I think that uh I I think I said this at our meeting, but uh our our workshop that um I want to take the the actual budget to the to the public. I'm glad that the state is doing that. I mean, I'm not thrilled, but um at least the public will see uh you know, where their money is going. I hope I hope that there'll be more people at this annual meeting that uh take an interest in where where their money is being spent. Um I know I certainly care a little disappointed as how many people did not show up tonight and are just uh voting to increase their tax rate but uh I don't know you know the pre pupil count is going
047down. Um I believe we spend overspend at all levels of government. Um so anyway that's my I've said my piece. >> Yeah. Um in terms of getting information out Barb I mean we we do make the information available to people. It is published >> and um >> I know that >> the daily news and stuff. So at least there's information out there where people could make an informed decision. we would probably agree with you that you know um attendance whether it's the right number or not the right number um I don't know if that's a mark of people are trusting what's happening here or they don't know or you know it's hard to say but um I do know that we have plans over this next year to look even harder at what the budget
048line items are and um go through not only um again the staff ing things which are um a large part of what we do but but all the areas and um operational items and daily use items and everything. I think it's going to be important for us to um dig especially hard and kind of justify what we're doing if the same conditions are going to exist next year. We do we are going to be in the second year bianium. So at least um we know what's out there for expectations in year two. So again, year two is a little bit easier that way because we know what's passed and in law already and now we have to adjust. Again, the timing of when we have to make decisions doesn't always jive up um to our
049favor in terms of when we get information to the state and kind of chasing our tail. So, um, we'll just have to do really good job this year looking at things and just making sure, um, we have what we need, uh, to operate the district. And, um, we'll see where things shake out next year. One thing that's out of our control is is public perception, you know, in February or next year when people get their tax bill and they're going to see it go up and then they're going to say, "Why'd you buy all the scoreboards? Why'd you cut three teachers? why'd you do this? And then you know that's when they're going to care is when they see it on paper in front of their face and uh you know it's out of our
050control is I mean what that what their reaction is then but I just pointed out that's what's going to people are going to see that see it then that's when they're going to react. >> Yeah. I would say that certainly the strategies that we've used over the last decade plus and trying to keep things as smooth as possible. Um I think we're justified in doing that because you're right when people get the bill that's when talking will start and [snorts] you know people may not remember the fact of what's happened over the last decade or the last two years or the last year. they'll look at what happened this year. Um, and so we're certainly happy to talk to anybody that has questions and um, again, we hope that we'll be able to manage through
051it and uh, take care of business next year, but again, some some of its timing and some of its decisions outside of our control. >> I would just say that it is a kudos to the district and to our fiscal I mean, we've been very conservative in decreasing the for as many years as we have and I think that this year having to do what we have to do based on the state aid that we're getting and truth is they're cutting some spending there but that puts the burden right now for the students we do have enrolled back on community members. >> Yeah. So that's for Brat and um I think it you know I I'm a big believer in the Northstar and our Northstar is our students and making sure that they are achieving
052and you heard the AGR reports tonight and we have goals to achieve but we need all the people here in this district in order to get there. We still have to serve the almost 1,600 students set up here. So, >> I've taken a sample of um several locations across the district and pieces of property comparing 20 uh 2016 um amounts of tax for the joint one district compared to what it was this last year. And um I think you'd be interested to know, for example, for one city of Hartford property that I looked at that was owned by one um owner throughout that whole period, the amount of tax uh that they paid in 2016 was $1,226 for joint one taxes. And last year they paid $1,128 over the course of a decade. Um, and
053that follows through with town of Aaron, which I happened to grab a property, a town of Hartford property. Um, so again, not just to toot my own horn because there were things in place uh before I got here, but this district's always uh been a steward of trying to do the right thing in terms of finance and still providing as high a quality product um in the classroom as we can. and the that data proves it out. Um, so again, I'm a taxpayer in this district as many of the people in this room. And while I'm not happy necessarily to share this information with people, um, it's where we're at today. And so I hope people can understand that we we've been their financial steward as best we can. And when we say we need
054it, we need it. >> And I'll say we didn't the max. Um, which I did ask um because in my conversations with other school board members and other districts, they are at the max and they're still not going to cut and have a balanced budget. So, kudos again to our team for having a balanced budget even though, you know, it comes back on us. Um, only other comment is if you're concerned about this, um, there are people above us, you know, our legislators that we need to have conversations. If we don't want to have those conversation every single year going forward, we need to have serious conversations with our legislators because it's going to come back to state. We need some of those state representatives to be on public education side. And so that's our
055job. have those conversations. >> I brought along a little prop make that uh show you how we save money for sporting events. We had sponsors, in this case the mineshaft, who fought these jerseys, get their name on the back. And uh anytime [clears throat] there's a sporting event that gathers enough um positivity, then would be submitted to the newspaper and the legal sponsor's name would again be used. And it's not really free advocate advertising, but it's one way they can get paid back for what they've done. So >> maybe the mind would want to put their name on one of our billboards or our scoreboards. I mean, you're welcome. >> Yeah, the scoreboard ex um is a great example. Again, we have u a marketing agreement with an organization uh for advertising on the one
056again by being able to change out both boards. Now, we're adding a second panel so that discussion uh will be had with them and um with others potentially in terms of filling that space. So, that'd be one way again getting the getting the program launched. I'm sure Mr. Stevens can attest the amount of time and effort that it's taken to get things back up and running. So once we get some of those first year kinks kind of settled out, I mean certainly there's an opportunity to focus on different things and the support for the district andor its programs um could be one of those things that we could focus on. Also, using this example, um they also did not pay the coaches any money at all because there was enough parents that were had their
057kids in the programs that wasn't knowledgeable enough in the sport regardless of to come forward and offer their services. So um in in lie of that, Mr. Stevens, are we buying uh each team uniforms? Is that how that's working? We're not doing anything like that. >> We have uniforms this year um for track and field for cross country track and field and the girls and boys basketball program. Um >> new uniforms or are we reusing from 20 years ago? They're new uniforms for the programs. I think they look >> very nice, professional. >> Um, >> they're also reversible, which I thought was super smart. So, one size white, one size black, so if you're home or away, you can use the same shirts and shorts. I thought that was a fantastic idea. >> Something that
058we approved >> or sports bill. >> We are I just want to make a quick comment. We are getting a little sidetracked in this current motion. this conversation has done down the sport road again, which I think is fun conversation. I enjoy having it that it's here and we can talk about it, but it is going off of what item six was, which was the final budget adoption. Um, so I'm going to redirect us back to that, but happy to have more of these conversations another time. Any other questions about the budget for Dr. Vobos or Mr. Meras? If not, I would like a roll call, please. Uh, Don, >> no. >> Aaron, >> I Louise, >> Ian, >> I, >> and I'll vote. Nay. Motion carries. Item number seven is the final levy adoption
059for the 202526 school year. The proposed tax levy of 12,38,222 is an increase of 1,545,747 or 14.7% as compared to the previous year. The mill rate will increase for the first time in 13 years from 3.75 per 10,000 in equalized value last year to 3.98 per $1,000 this year. A mill rate increase of 6.13%. The need to increase local property taxes levied is largely due to a 1.35954,000 decrease in general aid received from the state. Sound that very goofy. 1,359,54 decrease in general aid received from the state. The state bianual budget intentionally held total general school aid dollars flat and 71% of the districts in the state including ours experience a decrease in state aid this year. Is there a motion? >> Motion to approve the final 202526 district property tax levy of 12 million
06038,222. There a second. >> A second >> discussion. >> Again, I just say nobody's going to realize this stuff until they get the bill in front of them. And although like I mean I don't want my taxes to go up either. Is it a am I going to pay a lot more in taxes? No. Most people are going to look at it and be like irritated, but they'll still just pay it because it's not that much more. I don't know. I can go both ways on this one, but if I got it and I didn't know about it, I would probably just be irritated and then paid. So, >> the reality is that too is that um taxes are going to go up because of other school districts in the area and most likely whatever
061community they're living in is going to see an increase to some extent. So, we are a part of that and I realize I'm with you. I'm also taxpayer and I don't like them to go up. Um I have not been presented any idea by anyone yet how we could not do this and continue to have a quality education for our children. So until we see that I I am a I would rather spend the extra how many dollars per per thousand on ensuring that the children and everyone else's children are going to get a quality education right here in Harford. >> I also think I think people in general um appreciate their house to go up in value, but they get disappointed when that also includes a price tag for other things. And so I
062think they have to realize um that, you know, it's good and bad, right? Your your house value went up and that means you're going to pay more in taxes. So it is what it is. our society was established. I would say this last night, maybe this year since the banual budget and now we know what to expect, we can have some real brainstorming conversations of how we could fund raise and other ways. The reality of that though is that community members are still footing the bill. We fund raise through events or through corporate sponsorships. It's still people who live and work in our community that are footing it. I'm totally on board with having a creative conversation from this board of people and the administration of how we could maybe get creative in this, but
063right now um I [clears throat] don't see any but again we need to we need to keep our kids in school and and in learning. So >> I agree I agree with you. I'm not opposed to like looking into you know ways of fundraising and the only thing I'll say about it is the infrastructure or that's not the right word but you know it takes a lot of time and effort in the fundraising world and that you know for all of us that are giving a lot of time already so almost like a committee would need to be established for that but that's a different conversation just want to put it out there that >> yeah we just need to more people. >> Fundraising is also an optional uh thing to give. >> Taxes is
064is not optional. Agreed. >> Good. >> And to your point, if no one else I don't have any other ideas, but if there's no other ideas from those who want to vote no, then I mean what else are we to do at this moment in time? One of the biggest parts of our tax bill was the 0.5% that the county charges sales tax. My wife being on the Washington County Board of Supervisors presented a resolution to reduce that to 4%. Which would have made a big difference and was supported by the county executive as well. [snorts] But as with most big boards, when you only have two people fighting for for one idea, doesn't the other must have. So none of none of the other county supervisors signed on to the resolution, but county executive
065is also running for governor. So he thought that would look very nice on his resume. >> Well, with the the increase in um the special ed [clears throat] reimbursement, is that how we want to put it? >> It's accounted for accounted for in here. >> 32 42%. >> Yes. It's a very small >> can't use it for anything else. >> The change from 30 to 42 will be a a few hundred,000. Um, and that has been captured in this budget. >> So, you still added money to that fund, did you? >> From what I >> We'll have We'll have to transfer$ two and a half million dollars. So short >> the special it's a special one. >> It's the the people of their getting IEPs and other other needs. Special needs is increasing versus where
066we were last year, year before, previous years. So >> they asked for 90, not 40. We're not even going to get play. That's not what this conversation is. We all know there's other issues that are in with this levy that are not in our control. Our control is what's presented to us right now and we as board members have to make a decision. I would also just say that the annual meeting that just happened before this, this is what was approved as a resolution. So that was the the people who did show up from our community who voted on this. This was where they were. >> Yeah. >> So if we could have a roll call vote. Kieran >> I. >> Louise >> Ian >> I. >> Don >> no. >> And I'll vote no.
067>> Motion carries. Item number eight is the consent agenda. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, bills, treasures, reports, and personnel recommendations. Is there a request to pull an item from the consent agenda? Seeing none, can I have a motion? >> I move to approve the consent agenda. >> I'll second. A roll call vote, please. >> Ian, >> I. >> Don, >> I. >> Aaron, >> I. >> Louise, >> I. >> And I'll vote on it. >> Our last item is adjournment or actually number eight is your board meeting reflection and feedback, which is included. I do always enjoy reading it. Make sure to fill out your piece tonight. And item number nine will be adjournment. Motion to adjurnn. I'll pass. >> All in favor? Any opposed? [clears throat] Motion carries.