SHERBURN– Martin County West School Board met on Monday and Northland Public Finance representative, Greg Baufield, presented the financial report to the board prior to the regular meeting at their work session. He discussed the financial situation and bonds, levies, referendum possibilities and funding and the impact on taxes for city and farm residents. He used some comparison to like-sized school districts. He answered questions from the board and superintendent.

The regular meeting followed the presentation with a strategic planning update from the committee that both student and staff excellence are planned. The needed adjustments to the budget revenues and expenditures were discussed. The enrollment report featured 656 students. The board approved the presented budget after discussions and questions. They also approved the new audit company of Clifton-Larson-Allen to be hired. They approved the increase to the Arise Academy long-term facilities maintenance yearly levy to $13,318. Martin County West is part of five school districts in a cooperation to help maintain the Arise School. Some district students attend that school.

The board approved the school calendar for the next year with some early dismissal dates for staff curriculum work, and workshops offered in the second semester instead of the first. There was exploration of using e-learning instead of snow days also.

Reports from the budget development committee which will begin working in April included perhaps moving some Covid monies to the general fund for counselor and nurse expenses, planning for long-term facilities, SEL program implementation using Covid funds, and some curriculum adaptations.

The possibility of a School Resource Officer (SRO) was discussed with projected costs mentioned as too high for the district when they have a counselor, nurse, and crossing guards in place already at a cost of approximately $26,000.

Universal preschool was also discussed voicing concerns about the transportation, facilities, staffing, and scheduling. CER manager, Nikole Bowie, answered some questions and also superintendent Reynolds.

The $25,000 out of general fund now used versus the possible $90,000+ expense and other concerns led the board to not approve the universal preschool proposal. The parents that pay now and the scholarships used for those who have a hard time paying seemed sufficient for the numbers of children available in the district. The children being at school longer hours was not productive if they have to wait for transportation after preschool hours. Getting children to and from daycares for working parents was also mentioned.

Superintendent Reynolds continued with reports like the projected enrollment of 329 for grades K-6.

Nikole Bowie reported on CER activities. The summer ball coordinator reported that the enrollment is for 140 boys and 100 girls across all ages. The ECFE has entertained some ideas for evening classes and daytime classes. Special Olympics has begun in conjunction with Fairmont. The classes of activities for special need is scheduled to begin in June. There are plans for football games and football camp and Prairie Fire Theatre. The pool party in March was well attended at about 70 people.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on May 16.