Fillmore Central Resumes Activity Fees

Superintendent Heath Olstad reviewed the recent elementary field trips with the school board at their regular May 27 meeting. “The variety of experiences the kids get to have is awesome,” he said. The spring concerts at both the elementary and high school have been completed. Thanks were extended to elementary music teacher Matthew Patterson for his years of service and dedication as he has recently resigned. $90,000 in scholarships were awarded to the seniors this year. The graduation ceremony took place on May 25, and Olstad expressed gratitude to Brenda Ristau for all of her hard work in setting up the graduation and helping it run smoothly. The local banks are continuing with another year of mini grants and teachers have submitted their applications for them. “This has been a good school year,” Olstad concluded. He thanked the families, staff, businesses and communities for their dedication.

Anna Jetson was hired as the lead teacher in the daycare, Alex Lange as the ninth grade advisor, Joni Mehus as a high school English teacher, Doreen Rider as the ECFE coordinator and parent educator, Emily Hahn Larson for summer band hours, and Kayla Koch and Kelsey Biel for the summer FFA responsibilities. Jessica Bradt, Cari Ledin, Deb Ebner, Sonia Bockoven and Mindy Wolfgram were hired as the summer PreK staff, and Connie Berg, Cari Ledin, Grace Schwichtenberg and Heidi Kingsley as SPED staff for the Extended School Year program this summer. Brooklyn Simon, Abby Bothun, Madison Simon, Jillian Tieskotter, Lily Miller, Aubrey Larson and Maddie Topness were hired as summer SAC staff. Resignations were accepted from Alex Lange as the eighth grade advisor and Brady Ristau as the high school vocational teacher.

Special Education Director Micki Breitsprecher’s contract was renewed for the next two school years. A contract with Hiawatha Valley Education District for audiology services was renewed as was a contract with Houston Public Schools for physically impaired and traumatic brain injury services.

The summer food service prices for adults were approved at $4 for breakfast and $6 for lunch, which is the required amount by the State of Minnesota. The 2025-26 Taher budget for food services was also approved.

The student activity fees for the 2025-26 school year were reviewed and approved by the board. Board member Shelly Topness asked if parents were going to be given a heads-up on the change so they can be prepared. Superintendent Olstad will put an announcement on JMC and will also put the fee schedule on the school’s website so parents can see the rates. It was noted that families who qualify for free and reduced lunches will either have the fees waived or pay half. Council member Jason Schwartz pointed out that the fees have not been increased from what they were 10 years ago when the school discontinued them.

A convenience fee for online payments was approved at a rate of 3.75%, which is less than the 3.95% that the vendor charges the district. The school has been covering that fee which comes to almost $20,000 a year.

The mentoring stipend for the upcoming school year was reviewed and approved. Mentors of first-year teachers receive a stipend of $500 while mentors of second- and third-year teachers receive $400.

The district’s property and liability insurance through Minnesota Insurance Scholastic Trust was approved at a 10.9% increase. A commercial lease with the city of Harmony was renewed, allowing the district to use a classroom in the Harmony Community Center. Superintendent Olstad noted that the city has kept the rate the same for many years.

The annual Minnesota State High School League resolution was adopted for the upcoming school year. A Memorandum of Understanding regarding a stipend for staff that complete CORE training was approved. Several open enrollment requests were also approved.

As required, the district solicited bids for transportation services. More interest was received than anticipated, but ultimately Harmony Transit was the only company that submitted numbers. Superintendent Olstad and the negotiations committee will work with Harmony Transit to finalize the contract. “Harmony Transit continues to be very good at communication and follow through,” Olstad said. “We’re confident and hopeful that we will continue a very positive relationship with Harmony Transit.