BLUE EARTH — Money and budgets were a big part of the conversation at the Blue Earth Area School Board meeting on Monday night.

Buildings and Grounds supervisor Al Gieser explained adjustments in the Long Term Facilities Maintenence Fund which will require an increase of $105,000 in the fund to cover the costs of needed improvements.

“There are many things that led to the increase,” Gieser explained. “They include radon testing, roofing costs, concrete replacement on sidewalks at the middle and elementary school and acquiring additional fire safety devices.”

The board also heard from Fiscal Services coordinator Alan Wilhelmi who reviewed the budget proposal for fiscal year 2022.

“We are projected to see net increases in the General Fund, the Food Service Fund and the Community Service Fund,” he explained. “The increase in the balance of the General Fund is projected to be $468,863. The fund would be projected to have a balance of $3,887,429 as of June 30 of 2022.”

The board adopted the proposed budget by a unanimous vote.

Sara Albright, the Service Learning coordinator, was at the meeting to report on the school’s Service Learning Day.

“It is a chance for the kids to get out and work in the community while performing tasks to help improve things in the area,” Albright said.

Students did work in most of the towns within the BEA School District and also helped do some cleaning at the two county parks.

“It is a great way for our kids to give back to their community,” board member Stacey Beyer commented.