Photo by Wanda Hanson
After the state mandated Truth in Taxation meeting held at the regular December 16 school board meeting, the R-P School Board certified a levy of $2,632,416; this is an 11.63% increase from the previous year.
Toni Oian, Rushford-Peterson’s business manager, presented an informational spreadsheet regarding the district’s finances during the TNT meeting. Oian pointed out that state funding has not been keeping up with inflation; this coming year state funding for general education will trail inflation by $1,364 per student. Because of this shortfall, the school needs to cover more of the expense of education at R-P. Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard noted that in the future state general education revenue is set to go up in conjunction with inflation, providing the inflation is between 2 %and 3%.
The levy is set using a formula provided by the state legislature. The county auditor calculates the levy. Property values are evaluated by county assessors. If valuation of property increases, the taxes also increase.
Facts about the school finances were presented. The 2024-2025 total revenue for R-P is budgeted at $12,874,160 and expenses at $12,676,088 for a positive net balance of $198,072. The only fund with a negative net balance is the Community Education with a negative $62,342. This is customary and is due to the expenses of preschool and childcare; later in the year, the board will move funding from the general fund to support these educational programs.
The Ag2School Credit for farmers remains at 70% credit. The R-P district receives a total of $420,000 in Ag2School credit.
Residents were reminded that the classification and market value of property cannot be challenged at this point. In the spring, classifications and market values will be sent out; at that time residents can appeal the information for the next year’s taxes.
R-P is exactly at the median for operating referendums in the state at $513 per APU (adjusted pupil unit — in other words, per student). The LTFM (Long Term Facilities Maintenance) funding from the state is at $67,618 for the year.
There were no comments from the public or the board during the Truth in Taxation meeting. Following the meeting, the board certified the levy with no further discussion.
Regular Board Meeting
In the regular business meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Ethan Jacobson, MS/HS Business teacher and hired Jon Theuer as weight room supervisor; Megan Boyum as HR/Payroll Manager; Taylor Allen as long-term sub for Carissa George March 24-June 5.
Donations from R-P School Foundation of $850 for the Angel Fund (for milk break, snack and Chromebook fees) and $1,000 from Chris Meisch and employer match as a general donation were gratefully accepted.
A second reading of policies was approved with the change of naming Megan Boyum as a contact for public data requests. A previously approved signature authority was also changed to add Megan Boyum to the document.
The teacher seniority list was approved by the board, having been already checked by the teachers.
Administrative Reports
Superintendent Bernard shared that negotiations would be on January 3 for the Educational Support Personnel union. Bernard thanked Toni Oian and Megan Boyum for their work during the transition period as Boyum became the new HR/Payroll Manager.
Elementary Principal Angela Shepard enthused about the successful, well-attended Christmas concert which included the second graders playing instruments. The concert was also streamed and is available online.
MS/HS Principal Jake Timm reported that work continues on possible schedule changes for next year. Timm called the co-teaching of SPED and regular ed teachers for the sixth and seventh grade English classes “highly successful.” He said, “This collaborative approach has fostered an inclusive environment that benefits all learners.”
Timm mentioned that 350 trout eggs arrived for the Trout in the Classroom 11th and 10th grade biology project. The fish will be released into Rush Creek later with DNR permission.
The advanced art students hosted their own art show in the forum room, presenting their artist’s statements and explaining the materials used to visitors. Students will be participating in the Lanesboro HS Art Show as well.
The next meeting of the R-P School Board will be held January 13 at 6 p.m. due to the MLKJr. holiday on the regular meeting date.
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