SHERBURN — During the Martin County West (MCW) School Board meeting on Monday evening, a Truth in Taxation presentation was lead by Business Manager Dawn Sandbulte, with a $1,453 per pupil increase adjusted for inflation from forecasts in July 2025.

The board approved the final tax levy for 2026 payable in 2027 of $7,913,649-plus with $ 1,372,730-plus for maintenance (General Fund- includes referendum) Community Service of $682,570-plus and debt service $5,752,660-plus.

The budget was discussed with a revenue from 2025-2026 up 33 percent and the expenditures down 2.5 percent.

The Principal’s reports included the proposed 26-27 Course Catalog for the High School. The holiday break is near and the high school has plans for fun activities to maintain positive morale. They will have theme dress up days, competitions, motivators for kind gestures and a competitive potluck. There will be early dismissal on Dec. 19 with a teacher workshop and ESP training and on Jan. 2. There will be a teacher workshop so the first day of school in 2026 will be Jan. 5.

Trimont Elementary Principal, Michelle Baker, reported that the empathy pride character education skills came into play as the students collected personal items and food for the Trimont Food Shelf. The January character skills will be “perseverance.” The students are working hard on their music concert. Assessments are planned for the new year and full testing schedules are posted on the District Website under Parent Links.

The Sherburn Elementary news was reported by Principal Nickole Bowie. With inclement weather, the inside recess areas were/will be used. Talent Ed program allows teachers to observe each other and do peer reviews. The Maverick Christmas has the FFA purchase gifts and wrap them then the selected students are assured of at least one present.

Bowie also reported about CER. The preschool is rated four stars and is going well. Mini Magic Gymnastics and ECFE in Sherburn is up and running. Virtual Spanish classes are being offered to students and adults. An art class for adults, an estate planning lecture by Ford Law Practices and a kindergarten to third grade Basketball Camp is planned for February. Open Gym is planned and Adult Basketball Wednesdays have started.

In other business:

— The board discussed the proposal from Cedar Mountain Bus Company for transportation and proposed contracts. They intend to buy and use the buses and staff currently used at MCW.

— The Memorandum of Understanding for the MCW Education Association regarding the contribution for tax sheltered annuity was discussed.

— The board accepted the donations from the Troy Melson Family of $500 for literacy night, from the vote yes committee of $23 for literacy night, the Trimont Farmer’s Market of $50 for literacy night, Trimont Methodist Church of $1,000 for MCW music department, and from 3M of teacher’s support boxes for Sherburn Elementary School.

— The board approved the construction payment of $2,379,692-plus to R.A. Morton and Associates.

— The board approved the following hirings: Logan Clarke for Speech Coach and ESP; Thomas Elliot for Varsity Football Coach for 2026-27 school year; Sarah Glidden long term substitute; Matt Izen as Assistant Gymnastics coach; Jordan Reichel for ESP Trimont; Stanetta Svoboda for Varsity Coach Cross Country for 2026-27 year; Kristina Thesius for assistant Gymnastics coach for 2026-27 year; Kayla Zehms Varsity Coach for Volleyball for 2026-27 year.

— The board approved the resignation of Anthony Anthonisen as custodian.

— The board approved the 2026-2027 school year calendar and establishing the polling places for several precincts and school elections not held on statewide election day.