The Mabel-Canton School Board approved the preliminary budget for the 2024-2025 school year during their regularly scheduled meeting on June 18.
The projected student enrollment for 2024-25 is 270, slightly lower than the revised figure of 276 students for 2023-24. Business Manager Aimee Lake provided further details, noting changes in revenue compared to the previous year. State aid is set to increase by approximately $289,000 due to an increase in the aid formula, an increase in Minnesota enrollment, and higher special education aid. Not surprising, out-of-state tuition revenue is expected to decrease by $192,726.
The increase in state aid includes Minnesota tuition for those Iowa students that were granted educational guardianship, so the school did not really lose much, explained Superintendent Gary Kuphal.
Despite these adjustments, Lake highlighted a projected slight deficit of $147,184. Superintendent Kuphal noted that this marks the first time the school will experience deficit spending since his tenure began, attributing it to a sign of the times. However, Kuphal emphasized that the district remains in a strong financial position compared to others, with a healthy three-month unassigned budget reserve.
In conclusion, Superintendent Kuphal expressed confidence in the district’s financial outlook, stating, “Overall, we are in pretty good shape.”
Chairman Cristal Adkins called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and then lead her colleagues and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the May 21 regularly scheduled board meeting and the June 4 special meeting.
Board members present included Adkins, Chris Miller, Mark Weidemann, Dustin Tollefsrud, Diane Wilder and Jason Marquardt. Traci Livingood attended the meeting virtually.
Title 1 staff Susie Munroe presented her annual report on the Q-Comp program.
The consent agenda was approved, encompassing the 2023-24 budget, claims report, hiring of Tamitha Peter as the District Assessment coordinator, Adam Wilder was hired as assistant coach for boys basketball, and Brad Groth as a custodian. The board expressed gratitude to Diane Schwinghammer, Camilla Lee and Bev Bakke for their generous donations of instruments to the school’s band program. Board member Wilder abstained from voting.
The board renewed the MSHSL (Minnesota State High School League), MSBA (Minnesota School Boards Association), and MREA (Minnesota Rural Education Association) annual memberships.
Superintendent Kuphal recommended that the board authorize renewal of the school district’s insurance with Marsh and McLennan Agency for another year. Prior to the board’s vote, Kuphal informed them that the insurance premiums have risen by 28%, compared to the previous year. He acknowledged that this increase is substantial, stating “We don’t have any choice.” The total cost for the insurance is $61,321.92.
Additionally, the agenda included the initial reviews of policies 504 (Student Dress and Appearance), 503 (Student Attendance), 506 (Student Discipline), and 709 (Student Transportation), alongside the 2024-2025 student/parent handbook, and the 2024-2025 extra-curricular handbook. No action is necessary during initial readings. The second reading is slated for the board meeting on July 16.
In other matters, the board:
•Authorized the school’s partnership with Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center to deliver mental health services.
•Appointed Superintendent Kuphal as the school’s Identified Official with Authority (IOwA) for the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), granting user access rights for the MDE website to submit and approve necessary reports.
•Extended the Taher food service contract for the 2024-2025 school year.
Before concluding the meeting at 7:06 p.m., Superintendent Kuphal briefed the board on the community meeting regarding a potential bond referendum. Kuphal mentioned that six community members attended along with three board members and others. Attendees had a chance to tour the building, which Miller described as a “very nice walkthrough.” Another meeting is planned, and the school intends to proceed with the concept.
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