By DEB BENTLY
Staff Writer
While only one official matter of business–approving a 202223 budget revision required by the state of all school boards was discussed and voted upon during the January 17 school board meeting, the evening was a genuine learning experience nonetheless.
It was the first regular meeting for board members Aaron Phillips, Pat Theuer and Amy Irhke, all of whom were elected last fall. They and other board members had recently attended the Minnesota State School Board Association’s (MSSBA) annual conference. Many topics had been covered there, including school finance.
As school district business manager Karla Christopherson shared information about the current financial status of the district, board member Pat Theuer commented that those who attended the convention had acquired tremendous respect for the many tasks which Christopherson must perform. In fact, while hearing about many of the details, “Our heads blew up,” joked Theuer. “We were just amazed at everything your job entails.”
NRHEG’s annual budget for all aspects of operating the district–everything from waste disposal to technology–is slightly over $11 million. Christopherson’s report and recommended revisions shared that, based on MSSBA recommendations and locally set policies, the district attempts to keep between 22 and 28% of that amount in its “general fund,” that is, set aside in case of future emergencies or contingencies. Thanks to various factors, including federal money granted to all school districts nationwide, the fund was at 34% last summer, but has fallen since. A major reason for budget overruns has been the cost of fuel, both for operating school buses and for keeping school buildings heated.
Supply chain problems have also affected the district, although that picture seems to be improving somewhat. A school bus ordered last March was scheduled for delivery the week of January 23. A Ford van ordered November 21, on the other hand, had already arrived.
Overall, though, Christopherson reported that the district is staying close to its intended budget for the current school year and remains in strong financial condition while also having one of the lowest property tax rates in the region. She also pointed out that, unlike many other area districts, NRHEG does not need to go to the public to recommend an “operating referendum,” that is, additional taxes to help it meet its expenses.
Another report presented during the meeting was from district technology director Angie Aaseth. “The technology umbrella is pretty large,” Aaseth observed, telling board members that she works with phones, projectors, copiers, iPads, and Chromebooks while also making sure Wifi services are available in both buildings. In addition she oversees the door access systems and fire alarms.
Elementary students all have iPad devices, whose operating life is roughly 5 years; secondary students have Chromebook computers, which typically last about 4 years.
School Health Nurse Carrie Petsinger also presented a report, sharing a long list of state-required summaries and reports and health management services which fall among her duties. “Being a school nurse is much more than ice packs and band-aids,” she claimed.
Secondary business education teacher Lise Weegman told board members about the DECA program which she has been working to implement over the past several months. The DECA club currently has 11 members who have taken part in two major events. A “Back to
Business” practice meet in November and regional competition held recently in Owatonna. Six members of the DECA team are advancing to state-level competition in one of three divisions: role play, paper or presentation. Weegman was joined at the meeting by team member Tatum Smith Vulcan, who shared that business administration has always been an interest and potential college major for her, and so she is grateful for the opportunities the program provides.
Elementary principal Craig Kopetzki informed the board that the building has taken on Betsy Schoenrock, who recently completed teacher training at Gustavus University, as a math interventionist–that is, as a teacher who works one-on-one or in small groups to help students learn math concepts. The elementary building had also had 14 members of the Austin Bruins hockey team visit the day before. Team members had spoken with the entire student body about the importance of personal integrity and healthy nutrition, and then had interacted with students in small groups, giving the building a “celebrity feel” for the day.