BLUE EARTH — The Blue Earth Area School Board on Monday discussed the results of the recently completed Minnesota legislative session.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Jerry Jensen’s report included an update on bills signed into law that affect Blue Earth Area.

Jensen said the education bill contained a 2 percent increase to the per-student funding formula beginning the next fiscal year. An additional 2 percent increase will follow during fiscal year 2021.

There was also a change to legislation regarding a tax credit that is applied to school’s bonded debt levies. The tax credit increase on eligible property will begin next year, going from a 40 percent credit to 50 percent. It will increase to 55 percent in 2021, 60 percent in 2022 and will cap at 70 percent in 2023, where it is scheduled to remain.

Turning to other business, the board approved a new start time of 6 p.m. for its meetings, beginning in July. The board also approved meeting dates for next year. They will be the second Monday of each month except for July, October and November. Those meeting dates will be July 15, Oct. 7 and Nov. 18.

Moving to personnel matters, Jensen reported there have been 12 applicants to date for the assistant principal position. The deadline to apply is June 14. He also reported the school district is having trouble filling the special education position.

In other personnel matters, the board approved a contract for Caitlin Galagan as a high school English teacher.

The board accepted the resignations of Sydney Handevidt as an elementary special ed teacher, Taylor Allis as a middle school math teacher, Hannah Olson as an elementary Title I teacher, Jennifer Broderick as a high school secretary and Sierra Kafka as a custodian.

The board also approved the retirement of Jerry Cross following 16 years of working in food service.