The December 16 Fillmore Central School Board meeting began with the annual Truth in Taxation presentation given by Superintendent Heath Olstad. The presentation included charts that detailed where the funding for the school comes from and how it is used as well as information on how tax levies work. The board approved the 2026 levy at a total of $2,304,078.75. $1,614,055.37 of that will be allocated to the general fund, $73,628.64 to community service, $522,844.52 to debt service, and $93,550.22 to Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB).
Superintendent Olstad reported that the second quarter is nearly finished and will end on January 16. The winter concerts have been held at the elementary and high school locations and were very well-received by the community with many reaching out with compliments. The elementary spelling bee will be held on December 22, and the sixth grade class will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army at F&M Community Bank in Preston again this year. The one act play season has started up with auditions already being held and the basketball, dance, and wrestling seasons are fully underway with tournaments and competitions already taking place. Congratulations were extended to Kane Larson who was a finalist for Male Athlete of the Year at the Rochester Sports Banquet. Larson was able to participate in the All Star football game held at the US Bank Stadium on December 13.
Angi Kaase reported that the PreK classes are very thankful to have access to an indoor motor room and sensory walk, especially during the cold days when the kids can’t spend time outdoors. Gratitude was extended for a $1,000 donation from the Preston Fire Department for daycare needs. The SAC students are making holiday cards for the residents at Gundersen Harmony Care Center, the Preston Veterans Home, and Traditions of Preston. The Preston Servicemen’s Club donated $2,000 to help cover registration fees and referee costs for the 4-6 grade basketball teams.
Stephanie Strahl was hired as a SPED para and Caitlyn Lowe as an aide in the daycare. Courtney Sivesind’s resignation from as lead teacher in the daycare was rescinded and she will continue working in that position.
A resolution directing the school administration to make recommendations for reductions in programs and positions with explanations was approved. Administration will be closely evaluating the 2026-2027 school year to see if any reductions need to and can be made. Suggestions, options, and recommendations will be brought to the board for approval. There are no reductions being planned at this time, but the resolution will allow for anything that arises.
Superintendent Olstad recommended that two polling places be set for special elections at the Fillmore Central district office and at the Harmony Community Center with polling times from 3:30-8 p.m. A resolution approving the polling locations and times was approved.
The driver training fee for 2026 was approved with the same rates as 2025. Connie Lindstrom is planning to teach the program again this year.
The door replacement project at the high school is still in progress. The stage gym door has not been started yet. The band room door is in and can be used as an exit only until the fob and lock system can be set up.
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