August 21, 2023 at 8:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  President Nelson announced the location of the Open Meetings Act poster in the southwest corner of the room.

Discussion:  Superintendent Patterson presented a financial report to the board. August is the last month in the fiscal year.  Prior to year-end transfers, 76.97% of the budget had been spent.  The general fund cash balance on July 31 was $1,908,587.31.  After year-end transfers, the General Fund cash balance will be approximately $1.3-1.4 Million to close out the fiscal year.  Payroll for the fiscal year was approximately $3.9 million, accounting for 74% of genraral fund expenditures.  

Discussion:  Members of the public that addressed the Board of Education were: Kirk Gardels, Clint Gardels, Gale Lush, Shawn Woollen, Lance Aspegren, Mike Jelkin. Kirk Gardels, Clint Gardels, Gale Lush, and Shawn Woollen presented concerns over action item 5A) the adoption of a resolution to increase the school district's base growth percentage used to determine the school districts property tax request authority.  There were concerns that this resolution would raise property taxes automatically prior to the budget process by the school district. Superintendent Patterson and President Nelson answered public questions and responded to concerns.  It was explained by Superintendent Patterson that the passage of the resolution did not automatically raise property taxes, but it protects local control and allows the Board of Education to protect the districts' revenue limits.  LB 243 not only impacts taxation, but all forms of revenue for the district.  Mike Jelkin and Lance Aspegren addressed the Board about the Hildreth building and possible projects that the district is looking at completing for the building. Superintendent Patterson reminded patrons that the district held a public meeting on June 27, 2023 to discuss facility needs for the Hildreth building and possible costs associated with those needs.  Public concerns were potential costs of renovations and costs to the district to continue to operate at two sites.  

Other visitors in attendance:  Elise Lush, Donette Johnson, Shirley Lush, Sam Woollen, and Caleb Woollen.

Discussion:  Mr. Patterson presented information to the Board and the public in attendance about LB 243 and the financial impact that it will have on the district.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Patterson explained to the Board that Mrs. Hammer was offered a 74-day teaching contract to help fill in for a current staff member out on leave.  On the return of the staff member, Mrs. Hammer will be transitioned into a substitute teacher roll for the remainder of the contract. 

Discussion:  Superintendent Patterson explained that Mrs. Hammer's teaching contract was only issued for 74 days of service without the intention of renewing the position.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Patterson explained to the Board that the transfer was necessary so that the Nutrition Fund would have a positive and healthy balance starting the next fiscal year.   The district typically has to supplement the Nutrition Fund from the General Fund on an annual basis. 

Discussion:  Superintendent Patterson reported:

1. Financial Updates 
2. Valuations for the 23-24 school year will total $816,536,831, an 11.32% increase from last year.
3. Transportation
   1. Five bus routes and one van route will be used to transport rural students to and from school to maintain the district's goal of having students on a bus for no more than an hour. 
4. Pool locker room roof repairs will start in September.
5. Board members were reminded of NASB Membership Meetings in Kearney on September 13. Board members Hansen and Carey will be awarded  NASB level awards.
6. A Budget Workshop has been scheduled to take place at 9:00am on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 in the Wilcox conference room.
7. The County Level Budget Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, September 21.  The district will need to notify Kearney County by September 1 if the district intends to exceed the 2% total tax asking growth. 
8. Enrollment numbers- The district has 239 PK-12 grade students, to start the 23-24 school year, increasing from 232 students last year.

Discussion:  Principal Lovin reported: 

• Start of School Year
• New Hires
• K-2 Swimming Lessons
• Fall Sports Participation Numbers
• Girls' Wrestling Schedule

Principal Muhlbach reported:

• New Teacher Training
• First week success!