BLUE EARTH — After receiving $180,000 during the first round of Esser Funds last year, Blue Earth Area superintendent Mandy Fletcher told School Board members the district is scheduled to receive $690,000 in the next round, also know as Esser Two Funds.

“The first information we had on the Esser Two Funds had indicated we could receive up to $800,000,” Fletcher said. “We have not yet learned what expenses are acceptable with these funds.”

Fletcher reminded board members the Esser One Funds had been used for technology purchases, COVID-19 cleaning supplies and to help pay for a new school bus.

“We have also been told there will likely be an Esser Three Fund,” Fletcher commented. “We have no idea how much that payment would be. It would have to be spent by September of 2024.”

Esser also updated board members on the progress of the education bill at the State Capitol.

“The House and Senate are both working on bills,” Fletcher noted. “It will probably be the end of June before everything is done.”

In other business the board:

— Approved a bid in the amount of $54,900 from Nieman Roofing for work being done on the roof of the Commons area at the high school.

— Voted to enter into negotiations with the Blue Earth Area Education Association.

— Approved the list of coaches for the spring sports season.