All right, we're ready to go. All right, welcome everyone. I'm going to call to order the meeting the June 30th, 2026 Columbia Heights Public School School Board meeting. If you're able, please rise and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right, thank you. Laura, if you could do roll call, please. Mederos? >> Here. >> Bodanis-Bandis? >> Here. >> Kuhl? >> Here. >> Grandlund? >> Here. >> Hathaway? >> Here. >> Palmer, here. And Superintendent Sandvik. >> Here. >> Wonderful. All right, Columbia Heights Public Schools creating worlds of opportunity for each and every learner. All belong, all succeed. Our core values are community, excellence, collaboration, integrity, respect, courage, and innovation. All right, next up we have our agenda approval, adjustments, and announcements. First up, can I get a motion to approve the agenda as presented? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Michelle. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Second by Jenna. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed? All right, agenda carries. Announcements. I Wow. All right, so we're at the end of June, but the announce This is lovely. August. August, everybody. Um the next meeting is August 18th at 5:30. There's a work session here in the community room. August 31st is the first day of school. Which is earlier than what we are used to, everyone, just as a heads-up. We will continue to be talking about that. September 8th at 6:00 p.m. is the School Board meeting again here in the community room. September 15th at 5:30 is our work session, again in the community room. And September 22nd at 6:00 p.m., we have a school board meeting. Guess where? In the community room. All right. Next up, we have citizens and employee representatives um with communication to the board. At this time, any citizen or employee may briefly address the school board. The board will listen to the brief remarks, ask clarifying questions, and if desired, request that the administration follow up. The board will not take action at this meeting on requests presented at this time. Time will be limited to 3 minutes per speaker. It's my understanding we do not have any communication at this time. All right. So, we got through a lot in 3 minutes, guys. I love this. Uh next up, we have the consent agenda. The consent agenda includes the personnel report, worker workers compensation insurance renewal, MSBA membership, the RED Act member memorandum of understanding, minutes, and policy second reading. Can I get a motion to accept the consent agenda as presented? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Laura. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. Discussion? >> Um just make a comment. We did actually have a discussion on on all of these items here, so um it may look like a rubber stamp on the outside, but we had extensive conversation. >> Thank you. >> our last uh work session, if I recall correctly. >> Our last work session. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> Thank you very much for that. Any other discussion? All right. Um we'll go forward with a vote. All those in favor of accepting the consent agenda, say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Next up, we have discussions, reports and information items, uh reports from the board. Let's start with Julie. Do you have anything? >> Yeah, go ahead. Let's start. My my report is very short actually. Although I have looked at March and April financials, I still have some I I have some questions that I still want to send to the finance team and hopefully I'll just be able to fix that or figure that out in July. Meanwhile, I was at the work session last week. So that's it. >> Wonderful. Thank you. Jenna. >> I attended the Jamboree parade and walked with the superintendent and other school board members, participated in that parade and threw candy. Um that was a great community event, a lot of great energy, a lot of people very positive and excited about the school. So I loved participating in that. And I also attended the work session last week. Thank you. >> Thank you. Jessica. >> Thank you. I also have a brief report as we've been meeting pretty regularly here in June. [laughter] But like others have said, I attended the work session of the board last week. I also was able to help kick off Jamboree by walking with the school district in the parade, which was really fun to see all of the families and community members outlining the parade routes. And then I did also attend the time capsule event hosted by the city at Wargo Park last week. And that was really It was a really amazing event to hear from people who were there when they buried the time capsule 50 years ago. And I'm very excited about the possibility of putting forward our own time capsule now in 2026. And maybe some folks who are involved with that will be at Wargo Court 50 years from now to see it open with other community members at that time. So that was a really cool event. And then lastly, um, I just wanted to let members of the board know if they didn't see it that MSBA hosted a webinar on policy and legal updates coming out of the legislative session. So, to give everybody sort of a heads-up about what policy changes may be coming down the pike in order to comply with state statute changes. And so, I did watch that webinar as we prepare for changes that will need to be made going into the policy subcommittee next year and then eventually this board. Although I will say, because it was not a policy year, thankfully there's not a whole lot of substantive policy change coming out of the legislature. We have all of that fun to look forward to, I'm sure, next year. That's my report. Thank you. Thank you. Sounds good. Thank you. Laura. >> Um, I really don't have a whole lot to report. I was at the work session last week and actually did meet with with you, Jessica, over at Three Rivers. So, um, that was >> That's right. >> kind of awesome. >> Yeah. >> Awesome. >> Thank you for your time. >> Wonderful. Michelle. >> Yeah. Um, I attended last week's work session as well. Um, and I also attended the time capsule event. That was very, very fun because I was not even thought of in 1976. And so, it's really nice to see all the things that they put in there and where their minds were and like the things they were trying to capture in that moment to make special 50 years later. Um, it was it was really, really uh, exciting to see everyone just like lean in when they opened it and wait to see what was in there and read some of the things. So, that was that was something I was that I had the privilege to experience having not even been a Columbia Heights resident my whole life. So, I really enjoyed that. I also attended the Jamboree parade and carnival over the weekend. It's always awesome to walk in the parade and see so much love for the school district and teachers and you know, our teacher of the year and our students who were with us who were very very enthusiastic about [laughter] throwing candy. >> Yes, yes they were. >> Um, so I I love that they were there and really wanted to participate. Um, and I've attended a couple of chair meetings and spoke with some community members and faculty members and things like that. Yeah, thanks. >> Wonderful, thank you. Um, I also attended the chair meeting last week and this week as well as our work session. I also was able to attend the time capsule. That was so much fun and it was really amazing to hear Malcolm was there and he had so much to to share about where Columbia Heights has started and where where we have grown. So it was a lot of fun. I was also able to attend the triple threat performance which is through our our community ed for our students to perform. So they did a really wonderful I mean for just having four days to practice they did a full choreography and song of Hamilton highlights which are not easy to do. So it was so much fun to be able to see just how far they've come in such a short amount of time. A lot of that there were a lot of students that have already been involved in our theater programs. So again it's just never ceases to amaze me our theater program is so fantastic. Super excited about that. Following the time capsule opening I did go with the superintendent and Ms. Alvarez to Costco to supervise the purchase of candy. >> [laughter] >> To make sure we did not get >> raisins as was Um no, it was a lot of fun to go >> this candy. >> with yeah. It was It was a lot of fun to go with um with Superintendent and um Ms. Alvarez to make sure that we could uh find candy that was fun to you know, to hand out to children and we did a really good job. It was really a lot of fun. Uh and now this is all on video. Um And then I was in the parade. I did not walk in it for the first time in I think probably six or six or seven years. >> She has her headphones on. >> Yeah, she's got headphones on. >> You rode in it though. >> I rode in it though, yeah. So >> And you had a nice little pom pom on your boot. >> yeah, I had a pom pom at the end of my boot. >> It's awesome. >> So I could sort of still show some uh heights energy. Uh a lot of fun talking with people at the at Jamboree, at parade. And honestly all over the last few weeks which is such a such a gift, so Um yeah. So that is my report. Superintendent Stanek. >> Thank you. Uh the legislative action committee on compensatory revenue met last week and um you know, we're whittling things down and coming to some agreements but have found that there's still more work to do prior to the final report in October. So we're going to have some July dates as well and we'll be meeting again to just narrow some things down. Um we're also doing some additional subcommittee work and writing work, so um that continues. Um The time capsule event last week was really incredible, just so remarkable and I was so glad that so many people were able to be there of all the different generations and I hope that the students that were there will be there in 50 years time to see the next time capsule and we'll be working on that here. Um and then, you know, the whole community coming out for the Jamboree parade. Um I don't know, it just seemed really a dish like extra remarkable this year, and I'm wondering if that's because of the Valley View staff wearing the big inflatable costumes >> [laughter] >> the entire parade. Um there was something about it that, you know, the kids were like, "Wow!" They were so excited to see their different staff members, and um there were there were just a lot of Columbia Heights public school staff um and students, of course, walking the parade, which made it really fun. So, fun to see um you know, previous staff members, too, that were that were lining the streets, and it's a really great time to catch up with people. So, thank you. >> All right. Moving into action items. First up, we have um Emily Gardner, the teaching and learning lead coordinator, to talk to us about a curriculum update. She is on Zoom. >> Yes, thank you. Uh good evening to your Grand Land members of the board, Superintendent Stanvik. I am here this evening to seek approval of Health Smart as the health curriculum for grades 6 through 12, um as presented at the June 16th board meeting. >> All right, wonderful. Thank you. Okay, so um as was stated uh at our last meeting on June 16th, we were presented with information on the curriculum development process for analyzing the grade 6 through 12 health curriculum. The recommendation from the group and committees is to seek approval. So, can I get a motion to uh approve the curriculum update that was presented on the 16th of June? >> Move approval. >> So moved. Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> Second from Michelle. Discussion. Go ahead, Julie. >> I just want inform families who may have a disagreement with some of the content of the health health package curriculum that they have options to opt out of that curriculum and so be aware that that is always an option here at Columbia Heights Public Schools and that if you have any questions about that reach out to your >> school principal. >> school principal. Thank you. >> Yeah, thank you for that. Any other comments? Go ahead, Jessica. >> Just two things that I wanted to note from our prior discussion at the last meeting. One is that Health Smart while we're looking at approval of the curriculum for 6 through 12, Health Smart is the the elementary version of that curriculum is implemented in our district now. So we in approving this will have some alignment between those two curriculum. Um and then uh secondly, there was a great deal of um uh feedback sought uh from um our teachers uh as they were exploring different curriculum options. And so I thought um while we did have extensive discussion at the last meeting, those were two important points. Um I thought it was important for families to to know. So thank you. >> Thank you. Um I will just add quickly we also sought out family and parent sup um feedback on it as well as >> teachers. >> Yeah. >> What whatever that acronym is now. >> Hm? >> Cocker. >> Cocker. >> Cocker. >> No longer World's Best Workforce. Cocker. >> Michelle. >> Um I also wanted to point out that um we are updating our curriculum because we have to in this moment, right? And so um it's just time for us to to do that again and update it. Um so we didn't just choose willy-nilly to upgrade or update our um our curriculum around this. We chose this because we thought it was the best option for a necessity that we have. >> Good point. All right. Any other discussion? All right, then we will move to a vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? All right, motion carries. Thank you, Ms. Gardner. >> Thank you. >> Next up we have the resolution on population with Director Hennekens. >> Thank you, Chair Gremlin, members of the board and Superintendent Stenberg. Um for community education, our revenue that we receive um through the levy has different components and that's based on census data. And so it adjusts every 10 years, but within that in the middle of that 10-year period, if the population increases, we can pass a resolution by the board and get access to that additional revenue since it is a per, you know, not per per pupil, but per our population. Um and so we've brought this before I think 2 years ago for an increase because our population went up and it has again. Um it's about a 120 increase. So it's not a lot of additional revenue. It's just over $1,000, but it is additional revenue that we can access because our population has increased. Um so this evening seeking approval of the resolution and and once this has been approved, we can send it to the county and we can gain that adjustment and access to those additional dollars. >> All right, thank you. Um I'm going to read the resolution and then I'll make a motion. Uh >> [clears throat] >> Excuse me. Resolution certifying the population estimate for the 2026 payable 2027 levy of Independent School District 13, whereas the Independent School District number 13, Columbia Heights Public Schools, has experienced an increase in population from the 2020 census figure of 27,904 to the current census figure of 28,024 as determined by the state demographer. Be it resolved by the school board of Independent School District number 13 that the census figure of 28,024 be certified to the state demographer for approval for use in the 2026 payable 2027 revenue calculations. Can I get a motion to accept the resolution? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Julie. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Jenna. Discussion. I think I would just say really quickly, um it may be a small amount, but at this point we will take what we can get. Go ahead, Jenna. >> To clarify, this doesn't change an amount that uh property owners or are paying in. It's just updating the population change. >> It is it it is an adjustment to our levy. So, it's the um 2026 payable 2027, which is fiscal year 28 revenue. So, taxes collected in 27, recognized in fiscal year 28 for us. Um and so, this this is an increase to that community ed component in the categories of general community ed, youth services, adults with disabilities, and youth after school enrichment. And you can see it's a very small dollar amount per that census number, so it is a very small dollar amount we're talking about overall. But, um of just over a thousand dollars, but again, it it's, you know, it can help those programs. Additional supplies, you know, I mean, it's it's something. >> Thank you for the clarification. I understand. Great question. Any other discussion? Okay, as this is a resolution, we'll have a roll call vote, if you would, Laura. >> Manderes? >> I. >> Biden's Bondus? >> I. >> Hull? >> I. >> Gramlin? >> I. >> Hatway? >> I. >> Palmer, I. All right. Resolution carries. Thank you so much. All right, next up, we have our operating levy. >> Thank you, Chair Gramlin, members of the board and Superintendent Stembek. Um at previous uh two board meetings, actually, and um and obviously through the community survey process, this has been something that's been well discussed. Um and we've presented information on the new operating levy. Um have a lot of discussion about um what that um proposal would be to the voters for the levy question and that per pupil increase to an operating levy or for an additional operating levy with um a rate of inflation and um the recommendation the board is seeing this evening on that um per pupil is the $550, which is that $170 on an average household of $275,000. Um and then, again, with um subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. Um so, this evening, um uh seeking approval from the school board to approve the resolution for a new referendum um revenue authorization in the dollar of 500 amount of 550 per pupil with an annual increase rate of inflation and calling for special election. So, this is approval to um oh, it's it's a special election for the school district. Um it's still a regular election, the November election. I'll just say the November election. Um and uh um um then that'll go to the voters with the question that you can see on the um page. It's also within the um resolution. >> All right. Thank you for that. Um because this resolution was distributed in advance and there are ample copies available to the public. Um without objection, we're going to waive the reading per recommendation from the parliamentarian. There's There's no no motion. Yep, no objections. >> I was going to suggest that. >> Yep. Yep. Yep. We were on it, so. >> Although it would be fun to listen to. >> No. >> Not fun. >> What did I do to you, Laura? >> [laughter] >> Jill assigned it to you. >> Yeah, exactly. >> There you go, per your uh suggestion. >> Per chair request. All right. Um So let Let's have Do I need to have a motion to have a discussion for this? >> Yeah, there's >> Okay, can I have a motion to to for the to accept the What? >> Yeah, yeah, sorry, yes. >> Can I have a motion to accept the resolution? >> I'll move it. >> Thank you. Michelle, can I get a second? >> I'll second that. >> Thank you, Laura. Let's have a discussion now. As Brian said, um we talked about this two different work sessions and um multiple school board meetings um which can be found on our YouTube channel. Um this is not a This is not something that we take um lightly. This was an incredible amount of discussion and time. We looked at historical data as well as current data um to make sure that we were understanding um the needs of our school district uh you know, our community as a whole as well as what we need for our staff and our students. Um and it's a very tight balance, especially now where things are so tight for a lot of people. Um, and also this will not while this will make a a dent in what we lost from compensatory aid, this does not replace compensatory aid entirely, and we will not see these funds um for years even now. However, what I think my hope is with with moving this forward is that we are setting up um future board and our future school community for success in the long run. We're trying to make sure that things like compensatory aid change on the whims of the legislature um does not hit us as hard as it has. Um I will say it very much has felt like the um state and federal governments have kicked us while we were down, and we've made our um our feelings known about that. We have a wonderful legislative action committee. We have a wonderful community that's gone up and spoken. We have a lot of advocates for us at the state legislature. Unfortunately, it was just not enough. Um and so we again, I think this is the most conversation we've ever had really kind of going into an up like having this operating levy even with the one where um it hadn't been updated for 18 years. This was really robust and really looking at the data and really being thoughtful about it. So, I want to make sure that the community knows that this is not something that we're trying to sneak by in the night. This is something that's had ample ample discussion. >> After that, any other Go ahead, Judith. Go ahead, Laura. >> Yes, very very thoughtful staff here. We did have quite a bit of discussion about this. This was even starting way back when there were suggestions that um >> [music] >> that uh that there was going to be some threat to our compensatory funding. Um so, there was a lot of um preparation that was done um by our our um director of finance um putting some funds aside um and other other cost savings well you know that we put into place early um so that we wouldn't have to because we knew it was going to be a very large task from our community but our community has consistently come out to support us and um and um and we're really um we're really thankful for that that cooperation you know that cooperation you know that that you know the state may have let us down but our community never does. >> That's right. Well said. >> So it's it is unfortunate we have to that we have to ask but it is would be utterly irresponsible if we didn't. >> Yeah. >> In my opinion. >> Yep. Well said Laura. Well well said. Thank you Julie. >> Um I just want to mention to the community that first of all we really appreciate all the support they have given us. Um and this ask is really we're talking about $170 a year um in property taxes for an average home of 275 that will replace about $2 million of the 3.3 million that we've actually lost um and we may be losing again um when it comes to our um special needs children and um you know there's some blue ribbon commission that's reevaluating the the funds for that and it doesn't look positive right now. Um so I just want to let our community know that we really thought through this and we we said you know we've made cuts every year we've kind of made cuts except for the last two because we were so blessed by having the student enrollment that we had and and we saved through that time. So, that's why we were able to you know, kind of absorb this $3 million, but we did have to make some cuts and if we don't do something like this, more and more cuts are going to have to come. So, we are we're being as conservative as possible and estimating what maybe families can actually absorb in this situation. So, we really appreciate everyone's participation and and being a partner with our district and um helping us with this resolution. >> Well said. Go ahead, Jessica. >> Thank you. Um I agree with much of what's been said. Um in particular, Laura, you talked about um being responsible and I do think that given the circumstances, we have a responsibility to go to our community and let them um let [snorts] them discuss uh what they want the future of our schools to be and um show us that through their vote. Um we have had lots of discussion about this over numerous meetings. I would encourage anyone who has questions or feels like they're not getting um you know, enough information during this presentation or discussion tonight to go back and look at some of the discussions we've had at our last meetings including our our last um regular board meeting. Um I talked at length at that meeting. I'm not going to subject you all to um a 10-minute um uh speech again this evening, but I did just want to um reinforce um a couple of points um that have been said in previous discussions and also around the board table today. Um I agree that going to our community to ask for more financial support through an additional levy is a difficult ask, um, especially as, um, many in our community are struggling financially. Um, and as we have gone to our community, uh, in recent years, uh, to ask for a levy increase for the first time in many, many years. Um, that levy ask was, uh, really to help make our schools stronger, so we would be in a position where we could, um, not have to cut essential programs and services across our district. Um, and as a board, um, we have, um, managed, uh, those funds, and we have reallocated, um, as we need to to invest the things, um, that, uh, help our students achieve, um, and help retain our staff. Um, we really did not want to be here. I don't think any of us around the table, uh, wanted to be here and have this discussion. Um, but at the last board meeting I talked about the partnership that exists between our community and our district and the state. Um, and unfortunately, when the parameters of that partnership change so drastically, to the tune of $4 million, there is not a way to absorb those funds, that that cut in perpetuity. Um, we cannot cut our way out of this. Um, we are still going to have to make cuts, and that's that's the hardest part for me about this ask is to ask the community to support our kids in our district, um, with additional tax dollars, knowing at the same time we're going to have to continue to make cuts. Um, I know that we have, um, some hope and some opportunity over the next legislative session, um, to really continue to advocate and to share with lawmakers the very real faces of the impact of these cuts. And so hopefully, we will not have to make um deep cuts uh year after year as many in our district have experienced. Um but I I just want to be very clear that the amount of money um from compensatory um and Julie you talked about what might be coming down the pike for um special education dollars and cuts there. Um that amount of money to our district um is you know, an entire elementary school of teachers. That is not So, when I say that we can't just cut our way out of this problem or absorbing what the money that we're losing from the state, that that's what we're talking about. Um and so, we really are in a a situation that is um more than challenging. I wouldn't say dire, but more than challenging. A situation that none of us wanted to be in. Um and it is it is it's what's driving having to make this decision tonight. So, um I just wanted to reinforce those few points before we um continued our discussion and took a vote this evening. Thank you. >> Well said. Thank you. Um one other thing I wanted to add, again touching on that responsibility piece, we There is another school district in the metro um where parents organized because the school board did not want to ask these questions of the voters. Again, I think this is the moment, right? Like it we don't want to do this and also um we know our families and our students and our staff don't want more cuts either because again, you're right. Um we cannot cut our way out of this and that's a brilliant line. Um very well said. So, I think I think again, there are communities where these aren't even being put to the to the taxpayers, to the to to homeowners, to the community members to make these decisions alongside us. This is us asking them to be partners. So, well said everyone. Any other discussion? All right. If there's no more discussion, we'll move into a roll call vote, if you would Laura. >> Medeiros. >> Aye. >> Bodnar's Bodnar's. >> Aye. >> Poole. >> Aye. >> Gramling. >> Aye. >> Betway. >> Aye. >> Palmer. Aye. >> All right, resolution carries. Thank you. All right, next up we have our preliminary budget with Director Hennekins. >> Thank you, Chairwoman, members of the board and Superintendent Stenvik. Let me share the right screen here. Hide some of this stuff here. There we go. Thank you. Patrick in the background there. >> [laughter] >> It's like I see it just fine. What's going on? Um here I can move over here and Can we make this any bigger? No, we can't. >> No, because it's in the Zoom. >> Yeah, it's in the Zoom. Okay. Um you guys have it in front of you on your >> We we do. >> Um so, uh this evening uh seeking approval for the preliminary budget for 26 27. >> To make it bigger. >> Uh yes, I can do that. Thank you. >> There you go. >> Now we're we're getting there. Um the 26 27 school year preliminary budget um each year every school district uh prior to July 1st, um so getting down to the wire here. Um we must approve a preliminary budget for the next fiscal year. Um this was presented and discussed in detail at the last work session. Um and I'm just going to kind of step through some of the highlights um of of the budget. Um so uh starting at the top um in our unassigned here um we can see uh coming to the year um we had a uh about a 10.8 million dollar uh fund balance. And uh you know, which puts us within our fund balance policy currently though it's on the lower side, but it's within our fund balance policy. Um and for this year in the unassigned um which is a a major portion of our general fund um about 49.7 million in revenues and about 50 million in expenditures. This is exactly what we expected previous conversation about compensatory aid and the loss of the 3 million dollars in compensatory aid. Um loss of student enrollments um over this last year um um has has had an impact um on on the uh on this component here. So um you know, our expenditures exceeding our revenues about 350,000 in the unassigned portion of the of the budget. Um and the restricted area um we see that um this conversation about compensatory aid. So it's about 6.4 million in compensatory aid previous um last year it was about 9.4 million. So that's what that 3 million dollars difference um in our our compensatory aid. Um and our English learner revenue did go up for this year uh for this next year, which is fantastic. That per pupil amount went up. So that really helps with our English learner cross subsidy. Um so that that was a revenue increase um for this next year um and really pretty much the only area of revenue increase for the most part. Um the rest of these in this category are roughly about the same. So I don't I don't really want to go over them as far as our revenues and expenditures on each year. Um cuz in these uh restricted areas typically um we receive the revenue and we're expensing the revenue. There's been some exceptions to that, which is really around long-term facility maintenance um and operating capital where we've been carrying over some balance there and building up those funds a little bit. Um projecting out, we have uh average age buildings over 50 years old. Um and so um it's been critical for us to attempt our best to save some funds there. So, when things happen in those buildings, we can afford to do them um you know, without deficit spending um in those areas. Um grants um have continued to go down each year since COVID. COVID was the peak of of that grants area. So, previous year we were um right about 3.4, 3.5 million. So, now we're under 3 million um uh going into next year. So, um you know, we continue to strive for getting as many grants that we can to cover things, uh maintain things that we have existing that are being paid for for grants. Um but that is an area where right now we're we're about a half a million dollars less than the previous fiscal year. So, um all told at the bottom um with our restricted area and our unassigned area, um we have about 68 million in expenses or revenues, I mean, and about 69 and a half million um in expenses. So, we're deficit spending about 1.3 million dollars projected for next fiscal year. Um and uh and so um at the top here, that fund balance is going to go down a little bit, um about 10.5 million dollars um for uh the end of projected end of FY27. So, the other areas just quickly um food service fund um, has been a healthy fund for us um, for many years now. Um, we've been doing some improvements with our kitchens with that additional uh, fund balance within that category. Um, our our meal service has been up since universal meals which has helped that that revenue stream. Um, and so but we we do anticipate another year of deficit spending there. Again, it's it's expected. We're we're doing some projects and improvements within our kitchens. Currently, we have additional um, capital expenditures that are from this fund that are going into the kitchen at Valley View Elementary this summer. Which is super exciting. Um, it's a big open space with dirt right now. Um, it's uh, it's it's a great fun project there. Um, community education um, has been a struggling fund since COVID. Uh, last year we did a great job of making some adjustments to improve that fund. Um, this year uh, we anticipate some deficit spend um, but still ending the year with a with a actually we anticipate uh, in community had not a deficit spend but a increased revenue a little bit in there. So, um, about $400,000 in fund balance which is great for community education. It's actually really healthy for that program. Um, building construction fund is that capital projects levy um, and that ebbs and flows a little bit based on our deferred maintenance. So, it it helps 60% deferred maintenance projects in the district, 40% um, technology, personalized learning. Um, so we've had some uh, I can't even carry a fund balance this year. We anticipate some additional dollars going into um, projects and so we intend to spend down. Um, uh, no. We intend to increase. Sorry. We we're the next fiscal year after that in the closing we're going to we're going to spend down a little bit. So, we're carrying it a little bit so that for FY27 or summer of 2027 we can wrap up that Valley View project and not leave anything on the table. Um and then debt service fund um is uh uh really for our debt. So, it's money in and out. Um we are we we are allowed to levy to 105% of the debt. So, each year we're loving a little bit more and so that's whole held in a fund balance. We don't just to get to keep that. Um once that dollar amount goes to a certain point, then it starts going back. Um so, then it's a negative adjustment um in our on our levy. Um but um there isn't allowable point where we can um take that money and just add it into existing new debt, which is what we've done, which helps defer some of the tax for the first year. So, we're using $508,621. Um so, that's just lowering that balance there to 202,713. Building construction fund is the one that makes things look a little weird at the end because it's a large amount of revenue coming in, which makes our overall budget with all funds look like it increased so much and now we're just seeing the expenses moving forward. Um so, you see the deficit spend there. Um we're spending about um in next fiscal year about 7 and 1/2 million dollars. Um but we'll still have a fund balance there um going into the next um fiscal year and uh we'll spend that out um to close everything up. Um and then in the internal service fund dental, so we're self-insured. So, we maintain a fund balance there to pay for our dental claims. Um that we're deficit spending a little bit there, but so we'll have to increase our dental rates moving forward. Um but for next year we're holding steady. And then our OPEB trust for post-employment benefits, very healthy um fully funded um for our liabilities with post-employment benefits moving into the future. So, very happy with that um that um, fund. So, total funds, you see that 78 million, um, 783, uh, 783,000 in revenue, 87,854,000 in expenses. So, our expenses are exceeding our revenues by $9 million total all funds. But again, that's, that that's expected, um, given our our levy. Um, and you know, there's a portion of that is that general fund, um, which again, a big part of that is our loss in $3 million in revenue. So, um, from compensatory. So, that's the total, uh, preliminary budget. Um, seeking approval for fiscal year '27. >> All right, thank you. Can I get a motion to accept the preliminary budget for fiscal year 20 27, um, as presented? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Julie. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Second by Jenna. Discussion. >> Um Go ahead. >> I just want to make a comment. I really love your presentations. Thank you for for really drilling down in there and answering a lot of those questions. But I'd also like to further say that even though there is this big budget, each one of those allocations is is there is a lane of of, uh, what we can spend in there. Just because we have more money in this fund doesn't mean that we can switch it over and then cover some of the deficits in some of the other ones. And I know you've said that in so many different ways, but I just want to reiterate that. It's not We don't just get a big pot and get to pick and choose what we get to spend on. >> Right. Yep, correct. Go ahead, Julie. >> And I want to make a comment that our June 2026 balance is pre-audit. So, when the audit happens, there may be some minor adjustments that go through those numbers, um, that may impact the the final budget. >> Well said, thank you. Um, so just for folks at home, uh, you said there was some deficit spending. Um, even with that deficit spending, will we still remain within our fund balance policy? Okay, thank you. Um, secondly, I would just like to say, uh, because if this comes up sort of frequently, why do you have a fund balance? Well, we have a fund balance because it's state statute we're required to, but why do we have a bigger one? It's so that we can weather the whims of our state and federal government. Um, I'll just be very, very clear about that. Uh, and that helps. It does not erase any of those changes, but it helps and also our fund balance won't be this robust because we have to dip into it to pay for other things as things come up. So, um, wanted to also get that sort of in folks' awareness. Go ahead. >> to piggyback off that as well. Um, the other the other main reason for having the fund balance is so that we can pay what we need to pay when we need to pay it. >> Yeah. >> Um, because um, it is really not fun. I've been on the board long enough to know that we've had to take out loans to be able to cover payroll because our the payments we the funding we were getting in just didn't come in on the right time, so we needed like a bridge one. >> Yeah. >> So, >> Yeah. >> the money was coming, it just wasn't coming yet or the state would hold back on funds. >> Yeah. It was nothing that we did. It was It was the >> timing and we just kept it very small at the time and we just said, you know, we're we're done with basically throwing money away to borrow money. >> Yeah, that's right. Exactly. All right. >> you for fixing it. >> Yeah. Yeah, thank you for >> lot of work to get us where we're at. I really commend I commend the work on that. >> Yeah. Well said. Any other discussion? All right, if there's no other discussion, we will move to a vote. All those in favor of accepting the budget as presented, say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries. All right. Next up. My gosh, it's it's you again, Director Hennekins. If you would talk to us about technology device purchases. >> Minimize this. There we go. Okay. Very good. Uh thank you, Chair Grandlund, members of the board, and Superintendent Stemic. Um so, this last item kind of caught us by surprise a little bit on its amount um for this year, but um so, every year we purchase technology devices um and we purchase different devices for different things. We have a replacement cycle for things. This year is our big year for staff devices cuz we do replace in one year all of our elementary staff devices, and we have a 5-year replacement cycle for them. Um and so, um and 5 years is feels like a stretch to to everybody. It really does, but um you know, it's an affordability thing, so 5 years. Um so, when we purchase, we do look at, you know, resources that we're putting in the devices to ensure that, you know, that longevity is there as well. Um and uh we saw this year a 20% increase in the cost per device, um which is massive. Um we um this came so late this year because I um Corey was our our deputy director of finance is spending a lot of time trying to find different contracts, different ways to slice and dice um the the build of the device to try to save money, which we did save some, but it's still a 20% increase. Um so, it was it was closer to 25%. Um we we were down at 20%. So, it exceeds the single purchase exceeds by far our $175,000 bid law limit. Um and but it is a pre-bid contract that we're going off of, but the board is only giving me and the superintendent authority to purchase up to $175,000 without approval. So, that's why I'm seeking approval for the purchase um of staff devices for next fiscal year. The uh purchase price of $336,300. Um the budget um that's funding this is the capital projects levy um is the budget that's funding this for technology. Um so, again um seeking the uh Sourcewell pre-bid contract through CDW for fiscal year '27 staff devices approval. >> All right, thank you. Can I get a motion to uh accept the technology device purchase as presented? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Michelle. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Second. >> Seconded by Jessica. All right, discussion. Go ahead, Julie. >> [laughter] >> So, you said it's been 5 years. Do we not have this on a rotation where every 3 years we're getting, you know, so we don't have a big hit in five every 5 years that we could >> So, we we break up the staff um you know, basically so that we try to best ensure that every staff member in a building 4 5 years has the same device. Um so, that you know, there's no you know, the science department has brand new devices and the math department has 4-year-old devices. It's that this building has new devices this year and they keep those devices for 5 years. And the buildings are separated so that we're not being hit by all the staff in the district. Um our previous model, which has been worked for over a decade now is um you know, we do the high school together, we do the middle school together, and we do the elementary together. And the only reason we've tried to stay the elementary together is as the elementary teams are all working together because we are a small district. They're all working with the same devices. So, there's not there's not a difference there. Um and the devices that we're purchasing this year have exactly the same resources as last year, which we increased the resources last year, but it is just 20% more expensive for those resources. We could have gotten the devices cheaper if we would have put less resources in there, but it makes no sense to do that because in 2 years I would have to spend money to add resources to the old devices. Um so, it just because of how things work. Think of your cell phones, your personal computer. As time goes on, it works not as you know, it just progre- the progression is a decline. Um so, we're trying to make sure that we're falling within a parameter where it can be a successful device for 5 years. And it's just the realm where we're at. It's it's just increased so much. Cost of the um you know, import um you know, it's just the where these things are made tariffs um just say the word. >> Um has been really hard on the tech sector especially. So. >> Yep, go ahead Julie. Um so, based on that um so, is the high school on a different rotation as Okay, that's what I was thinking. You know, we don't want to have every 5 years this big hit if we're not you know. >> So, right now that rotation, you know, we have three the bill of staff devices are done in a 3-year rotation basically. And then the other years we're doing like some of the district office staff, family center staff, and and we're doing some of the other things that need to happen in replacement cycle like projection systems in the classroom and these other things that that keep coming at us. >> I was going to point out yep, I know. >> So, we you know, there's other things that we need to do. Um so, when we're not spending that money on staff devices, we're using that money for other resources for the teachers in the classroom. >> Yeah. >> Great questions. Go ahead, Jenna. >> Um, does include when you say staff devices, does this include the devices that students bring home? Are we talking about that, too? Okay, this is separate. Can you clarify what what are staff devices? >> So, staff devices are their computer, the computer that we assume. That's that's what it is. So, um, you know, we've standardized with HP computers here, uh, have for many years. Um, and so um, we're rotating through this. We this year we expanded our search a little bit more, um, you know, looking at other providers to see what comparable we could get and to see if it made it a difference, um, really. And then also something that we could manage internally from a support perspective. Um, so and it it just didn't to make any changes. So, um, we're continuing with that same same build and from HP, basically. >> Thank you for clarifying. >> Yes. >> Go ahead, Michelle. >> Um, so what happens to the computers that are phased out? Um, are we able to like sell those or like recoup a little bit of money on them? >> Yeah, so typically, um, we we keep some of them, um, because we use them for, uh, the good ones, the nice ones, uh, for loaner devices. Um, and sometimes in we've given programs, um, carts of those older computers for access to things, um, like we did for engineering before. Um, you know, that it's really usually kind of a one-year wonder because you get to a point where a device is you spend more time trying to fix it, keep it running than it really you know, there's it's just a different level of use. Um, and so typically what we're doing is once we get to that point of, you know, the best of the best that we can keep for another year, maybe two, um we're recycling them. Um and we get a credit for recycling. Um so, there is a credit, um but it it is a very nominal credit. Um so, uh just based on volume and based on what they are, but we do get a credit back when we go through recycling programs and we do we've done different ones over the years. Um student Chromebooks, um a lot less of a credit for them, um as you can anticipate. >> [laughter] >> We don't have to go into that. >> But, uh but we do try to maximize that, um you know, cuz just like the community ed item from earlier, $1,000 or $1,500, it makes a difference. Um it's something. So. >> Yeah. Well, thank you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Great questions. I'm grateful that you also um talked about the impact of um tariffs on you know, what I'm guessing a lot of these computers are going to be imported. They typically are. >> Yeah, normally. >> Yeah. And so, just noting that, too. That's another financial crunch that we're that we're working under. Um 20% is wild. That is a wild increase. >> Yep. >> So. >> I actually have a question. Um so, is this going to come out completely out of that um that uh referendum >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. Um we don't have to dip into the general fund to to cover this. >> Yep. Jessica, did you have a question? >> No, I was just going >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. If there's no other discussion, we will move to a vote. All those in favor of uh technology device purchase, please say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Lastly, we have building capacity with uh Superintendent Stenvik. >> Thank you, Chair Gramling, members of the board. Um this evening I'm here seeking approval to close the transition program to open enrollment. The transition program is really a separate school within Columbia Heights housed at Columbia Heights High School. Um and it is for um qualifying students with IEPs and special education programs that are ages 18 and that service terminates on their 22nd birthday. So it's really a great um opportunity for some of our older students. However, um given the enrollments that we've already had and our plus the um students that were uh previously enrolled, um we've we are at the capacity um where if, you know, a student that moves into the resident district boundaries, um we obviously have to save a space or two for those students and um that's about where we're at right now. So I'm here seeking approval to close the transition program to open enrollment knowing that of course all resident students would be welcomed in the program. All right, thank you. >> Can I get a motion to accept the um recommendation on the transition program? >> So moved. >> Ooh. Jenna. >> Beat >> It's like we said it. >> Second. >> Second, Julie, thank you. >> [laughter] >> Discussion. Go ahead, Jenna. >> Will this program be available again in the future? I I know it's because you're closing because if it's at capacity, correct? >> Yes. >> That's right. >> You know, in fact, last year we added a second classroom and we did not receive the enrollment. So it was really under, you know, underutilized and so we're not going to do that again. So we went back to the what we have done for decades, which is the one classroom. Um so, you know, every week we monitor that enrollment, not as much over the summer, like in July, but you know, we're starting right back up again in August. You all will be receiving those weekly enrollment reports. >> Great. >> Um, and so we always keep a pulse on it. >> Okay, good to know. >> Um, and then just for um, just have that conversation particularly with our newest board member. Um, there are it's in statute um, the process for closing and what we can we can't close on a whim. Um, there are you know, we have to be at building capacity or in this case this is a school within a school that they're at capacity. Um, and we do monitor it very closely. Thanks. >> Thank you. Um, I just would add to that that these building capacity requests do come in for all of the grades and and other things and it as Superintendent Stenvik said, um, we monitor that very closely and there's very there's those guiderails and also there's been plenty of times where we have closed and then opened or opened and then closed. So, within the school year. Um, so that is something that um, has happened and if the need arises, you know, it'll come back to the board to open it. And there you know, we're really good at monitoring that. >> So, good to know. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, go ahead Laura. >> say that I did get the call today to make sure that my student was going to be enrolled in this particular program. >> [laughter] >> So, I can tell you that that is closely monitored. You know, and it and and I think it's I think it's really good to keep an eye on those to make sure that we do have space for new resident students just you know, making sure that the program stay full, but yet still have a little bit of capacity because we definitely don't want to be out overcrowding some of these programs. >> Exactly. Yep. And again >> is available for people who students who live in district >> Yeah, always. >> I was just going to say that. Yes. Yeah, it does not matter if this is closed. Um, if somebody lives within the boundaries of our school district, they are always able to enroll. So. That's right. >> Good discussion. All right. Any other discussion? Okay, we'll move forward to a vote. All those in favor of uh closing the transition program to open enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year, please say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. All right. Thank you. All right, we have board topics. >> I got nothing. >> You what? >> I got nothing. >> Oh, I thought you said I have something and I was like, wow. Um I I don't know if there's there's no board topics. This is like a first. I don't know what to do. Let's invent something. >> There are there are no meetings in July, is that correct? >> Correct, there are no meetings in July. >> [clears throat] >> That is >> Yeah. >> Unless unless for some Yeah, and knock on some >> Never found it in the office. >> [laughter] >> Should the need arise. But that will be with ample uh discussion opportunity. All right, well, I think I would just say uh to to all of you here and to anybody who happens to be watching this at home either now or in the future, uh happy 250th uh birthday to the United States. I hope everybody celebrates safely and comes back with all of their fingers and toes. Um >> [laughter] >> And when we meet again in August. Otherwise, have a wonderful summer, everyone. And if there's no other board topics, we will move to adjourn at 7:01. >> Yeah.