On May 20, 2026 the School Board met for its regular meeting and discussed the recent bond sale and more.
Michael Hart from PTMA, the school district's financial consultant, gave a presentation of the bonds that were sold on Monday, May 18.
Michael Hart summarized the sale: "If you hear nothing else, you have an additional $1.7 million to spend at exactly what you told the taxpayers it would be."
As Michael Hart narrated during his presentation: "Last time I reported to you that the tax impact might be slightly higher if we move forward with all of it, we were looking at [$10/year higher, annually for an average home]. We were able to come in right on the number," he said, "which we are really, really excited about."
Board Chair Michael Collins expressed his pleasure with the result by interrupting the presentation: "I would just like to take a picture of that slide." That's just a great slide."
Here's that slide:
As shown above, the district received a competitive bid that allowed the District to add $1.595 million of additional funds to handle parking lot improvements and roofing repairs for the same tax impact estimated to voters during the February 10th Referendum. The winning bid for the bond sale was 0.7 % lower than estimates during the winter planning process. The School maintains a high credit rating - A+ with an underlying AAA rating - as determined by S&P, based on a detailed overlook of the School District's financial and future projections. This high credit rating allowed the School District to receive the low interest rate that made it possible to received additional, board-authorized, funds without going above the initial projected tax impact.
In other news, the School Board discussed an election complaint filed by Curtis Nagel and Terry Hetland regarding information the school provided the voters. The State of Minnesota dismissed their complaint, finding that the complaint had no basis for being filed and considers the matter closed.
The Board accepted retirement notices from:
Joanne Pohlmann - Elementary Special Education - 20 years of service
Cindy Christensen - Secretary - 26 years of service
Sue Laubach - Technology Director - 15 years of service
Board Vice Chair Corey Goodwin said: "This says a lot about our school district, and the environment we have here, that people are sticking around this long. That's exciting."
High School Principal Brad Hoffarth discussed in his update the efforts made by the students and community members on Monday, May 11th for the Community Cleanup Day and Mock Crash.
Board member Tricia Mages, impressed with the commitment from the community said: "I want to give a shoutout to the community for much work that went into the community cleanup and mock crash. Kudos to the community for jumping in and doing that for our kids."
Elementary Principal Shad Schmidt discussed in his update, the Community Baby Shower and the coordination by the staff, itinerant staff from Runestone Area Education District, ECFE coordinator Danielle Kreemer, and the families to come together in a fun event.
Activities Director Pat Kalpin discussed in his update, the success of the Boys Track and Field team reaching the State True Team Track and Field meet for the 3rd straight year.
The next regular board meeting will be held on June 17th at 5:30pm in the Board Room in the District Office.