Photo by Wanda Hanson
Superintendent Matt Schultz informed the Lanesboro School Board that the Federal Electric Bus Grant they had been awarded was cancelled. The school will need to lease a diesel bus for next year. The bus price has gone up $21,000 and will be subject to an additional $7,000 tariff.
The school intends to look into gas buses for the following year since their prices are not rising as much. Before purchasing, the administration wants to ensure concern that gas buses will have the power to handle the hilly routes. Chairman Steve Snyder suggested they also check into propane buses as well – the bus prices are higher, but the fuel is less expensive.
Schultz shared that the school has been conducting exit interviews beginning in May.
Business Manager Garrett Stadsvold does the exit interviews, providing a document with seven open-ended questions. Employees can fill them out and request an interview with Stadsvold as well; names are not required. The documents are placed in the employee’s private personnel file.
The use of the exit surveys provides a good resource for the school. They give the school a chance to see patterns and see if employees are getting feedback from their supervisors.
State Legislative Action
Schultz reported on recent state legislative action that affects Lanesboro School. The Compensatory Revenue tied to free and reduced lunches now automatically qualifies any families receiving other state or county aid for free lunches. The same information will be used for the coming year as in 2024. While there is a 40% reduction in student support, the $40,000 minimum for schools which is what Lanesboro receives remains the same.
Library aid has been cut to $20,000. SPED transportation will still qualify for reimbursement, however, instead of being reimbursed at 100%, it will just be a percentage.
The state is looking to reduce education funding by $250 million. The $100 million funding for SPED summer unemployment will still be available.
TRA (Teachers Retirement Association) changed early retirement age from 62 to 60 with a reduced penalty to 5 or 6% per year.
The good news for Lanesboro is that roof repair and maintenance will be included for funding from LTFM (Long-Term Facilities Maintenance).
Public Input
Josie Papenfuss spoke during the public input section of the meeting, presenting several questions. After reviewing policies on harassment, she noted that the school can provide classes to develop character and wondered if Lanesboro was doing that to help prevent bullying.
Papenfuss also asked if there was any mental health assistance available for staff. Since Lanesboro has no school nurse, Papenfuss asked who assesses students when they are injured. Her final question was about the process in place for students to meet with the school psychologist.
As Chairman Snyder pointed out before the public comment period, the board does not engage in discussion during that time, but takes the information and finds answers as appropriate.
Action Items
The board approved the hiring of Allyson Young as daycare assistant director and Natasha Lawsteun as a daycare employee. Resignations of Special Education teacher Alissa Dahl and daycare employees Heidi Therkilsen, McKenzie Hanson and Hilary Eide were accepted.
The board approved the retirement of Cheryl Brekke, a daycare employee for 27 years at the school. Snyder thanked Brekke for her years of devotion to the care of Lanesboro students.
New Business
Under new items, the board designated the superintendent as the identified official with the authority for education identity access management system. This annual designation gives Schultz the authority to approve others to submit reports.
Athletic pass fees which had last been changed eight years ago were discussed. Minor increases were sought in an attempt to keep up with the rising expenses of officials. Ticket prices will be $5 for adults and $4 for students.
The hourly staff wage schedule increases automatically every year by 2%. The board approved an additional 2 ½%. Last year staff had received an additional 3%. Staff receive a yearly longevity bonus of $500 each year after they have been employed for 15 years and $1,000 each year after they have been at the school for 20 years.
The board approved the 2025-2026 proposed budget with little further discussion.
Donations of $15,000 from the Brekke Family for the scholarship fund and $815.64 from the Booster Club for the track program were gratefully accepted by the board.
Daycare rates and school bus policy on pickups and drop-offs were discussed; no decisions were made at this time.
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