BLUE EARTH– Fuel costs are up for everyone right now — and school districts are no exception. Pricey gas was a topic of discussion at a Blue Earth Area School Board meeting held on Monday.

Fiscal services coordinator Allan Wilhelmi noted rising gas and diesel prices have caused a 99 percent increase in those line items for the 2022-23 budget.

He also noted the state of the general fund revenue, explaining it is down overall due to declining federal revenues. The fund currently sits at $14,501,992.

“As we look out into the future, we’ll be navigating through those federal revenues going away,”  Wilhelmi concluded.

Following his presentation, the School Board voted to approve the original budget proposal for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

The School Board also reviewed fuel bids for the 2022-23 fiscal year. Bids were received from Kwik Trip and Shell.

Kwik Trip quoted $3.955 per gallon of gasoline and $4.855 per gallon of diesel, while Shell quoted $3.915 per gallon of gasoline and $4.975 per gallon of diesel.

The School Board voted to accept Kwik Trip’s bid for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

In other business, the School Board:

— Approved two new hires: ECFE teacher Julia Hanson and high school administrative assistant Crystal Smith.

— Approved the resignation of paraprofessional Stacy Cole.

— Approved the engagement of CliftonLarsonAllen to perform audit services.

— Approved the valuation of other post-employment benefits under GASB 75 for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2022.

— Approved a resolution calling for the School District General Election to be held on Nov. 8, 2022 and establishing polling procedures.

— Approved a resolution establishing the dates for filing affidavits of candidacy for a School Board position.

— Approved the long-term facilities maintenance projections for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

— Approved a resolution reallocating general education revenue for the 2022-23 fiscal year from the building level to the district-wide level.

— Approved the district’s Crisis Management Plan, with the addition of a family-student reunification plan in the event of a crisis.

— Voted to retain ownership of a damaged 2004 Chevrolet pick-up and fund its maintenance.

— Approved the district s Minnesota State High School League membership for the 2022-23 school year.

— Approved an amount not to exceed $4,000 for fall and spring employee recognition events.

— Approved a $10,000 donation in ’Milk Money’ from Kemps.

— Approved the district s Minnesota Rural Education Association membership for the 2022-23 school year.