this meeting to order. Our first item is a pledge of allegiance. Wendy, would you like to lead us, please? Thank you. Next up is the consideration of the agenda. Um is there are there any changes to the agenda people would like to make? Okay, terrific. Hearing none, next up is the consent agenda. The consent agenda contains routine matters that typically do not require board discussion. Individual board members may remove an item from the consent agenda for discussion {slash} separate action. Consent agenda items are as follows: approve the minutes from the regular board meeting held April 13th, 2026, approve personnel recommendations, accept donations totaling $18,775.30, approve the treasurer's report for March 2026, approve electronic funds transfers for March 2026, approve voucher and payment registers as presented, bill voucher register, EP register, EFT voucher registers, and Capital One transaction register. Do I have a moment um Sorry, a motion to approve. So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Any discussion? Okay, hearing none, all in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Okay, terrific. Next up is a um lengthy a wonderfully lengthy superintendent's report on excellence, Dr. Flasher. Thank you, um Madam Chair. So, I have a long report tonight of amazing things that are happening across the district and we'll start out with academics. Um first, a special shout out to all of our students and staff who've diligently focused on standardized tests the past few weeks. We will be eager to carefully evaluate the data as we do every year and continue to refine our programs to meet the needs of all learners. Um our commitment to college level learning and for post-secondary um success for our kids and our focus for AP for all is producing clear and measurable results. More students have stepped into advanced coursework and following through on the AP exams. In 2025, we had a record, as you remember, of 562 students that it took 1,020 exams. And this spring, the momentum continues to build. Um we had 620 students take 1,150 exams, or we will, beginning May 4th. This steady growth reflects um increased access for our students um and a strong culture um as more students embrace the opportunity to reach higher and prepare for their future. Um last year, 91% of exams resulted in a passing score for our students, which is tremendous savings for our families. Um and we wish all students on uh success on their exams this next week and then the weeks to come. Um I have exciting news on History Day. Um our seventh grade History Day state competition, um congratulations to Nathan Berard for earning fourth place in the junior paper category for Harlem Hellfighters. Great work. Um the following students also earned honorable mention in the junior paper category, Alice Paul, and um her for the revolutionary fight for equal rights by Freya Blessing. Also, for junior individual performance, Muhammad Ali civil rights, congratulations to Harold Campbell. In junior individual exhibit category, congratulations to Lissie Toppin for Munich Massacre. And last, finally, congratulations to Evelyn Verplanck and Quinn Rogers for their junior group exhibit, Donna de Verona. Um way to go, all of our seventh grade um history students. I would also like to recognize our seventh grade social studies and English teachers who are dedicated and make all of this possible um for this project for our seventh grade students. They are Kristen Hupler in English, Brian Kaffar in social studies, Jared Shogren in social studies, and Catherine Stanley in English. On to activities, we'll start with speech. Um we are very proud to share an exciting milestone for our speech team. For the first time in program history, the Spartans were crowned Section 2 AA champions on 18, I know, April 18th. Congratulations to the team and coach Barb Schaffners for this historic accomplishment. This achievement earned 12 students a place at the state tournament that is held April 24th and 25th. The team delivered an outstanding performance at state, finishing fifth overall in Class AA. The following speakers earned top finishes at state. Maya Haugen was second place in storytelling. Sophie Middleton, second place in extemporaneous reading. And Ruby Garman, eighth place in serious interpretation of drama. Additional congratulations to Maya Haugen and Owen Marks who were named the Minnesota Speech Co-Coaches Association 2026 All-State Speech Team. So, amazing work. Um so proud of all of our um speech team. In the area of visual arts, a lot going on there, too. Um Orno Orno was represented um incredibly well at the MSHSL art show held at Chaska High School last week, where the following students earned honors. Superior honors were awarded to Grace Lohman for Viper Guards in His Tower. Charlotte Winkler for Melancholy and Madness for Aya Hanson, Little Treasures in the Sea. Lily Layla D'Alessandro for Hot Water, Please, and Dario Mayo for Standing Curiosity. And last, Annelise Tendlin for both Carousel and Shamano and I are Going Too Far. Along with excellence awards for Layla Nick, Fragile Words. Layla Richardson for What's Your Name. Anya Mahonen for Blue Night. Jordan Plescher for Hear My Roar. And Evelyn Schwarzkopf for Horse With No Name. Um what a great reflection of creativity and dedication these students and all the way they continue to represent Orno at such high levels in art. And in DECA, this week we have 17 Orno High School DECA students who are are competing at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta. Joining nearly nearly 20,000 students, advisors, and business professionals for competition and professional development. So, best of luck right now to Andy Blue, Matt Blue, um Quinn Brassington, John Eberhart, Eli Fish, Gideon Fish, Rocco Garitano, Olive Gladney, Sarah Henkelman, Molly Hollerman, Morgan Larson Larson, Coco McNay, Carly Olsen Olsen, Gianna Parrish, Carly Roush, Owen Chaber, and Wyatt Schlawderauf as they represent Orno Schools. And in the area of student senate, we also have some exciting updates um for the Orno Student Senate. First of all, Ella Palm was elected president of the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies at the m- April MASL state convention. And now will serve on the MASL board for the 26-27 school year. She received the gavel from the current president, Sienna Souther, and as you all know, she's an Orno student. So, um pretty amazing succession there. Simon Forbes was elected president of the Hennepin Division of the Minnesota Association of Student Leaders at Tuesday's conference and will represent the region at the MASL board SL board. And then Orno Student Senate earned a National Gold Council Excellence Certification. That's the first time ever um that we have received the award and only one of four schools in Minnesota to do so. So, congratulations, Orno Student Senate. And last, Cora Palm is a finalist for the vice president of service on the National Student Council and is one of our foreign four candidates running for the position. So, congratulations to all and best of luck to Cora in the election. Okay, on to choir. Um Orno High School choir has been busy this spring with performances, travel, outstanding individual achievements. This month, the choir traveled to Boston, where they performed at several notable venues across the city, including the JFK Library and Faneuil Hall, showcasing their talent to new audiences. On April 20th, members of the OHS Chamber and Treble Choirs participated in the state solo and ensemble contest. Students performed solos, duets, small group pieces, earning an impressive 16 superior ratings and six excellent ratings, and we're thrilled to announce the five best in sight awards went to Drew Gronholz, Cooper Jonas, Alex Norp, Alex Pe- Peterson, and Gabby Quiroz, um all from Orno. So, congratulations also to sophomore Gabriella Daley, who successfully auditioned and was accepted in the 26-27 All-State Soprano Alto Choir, which is an outstanding honor. Beyond competitions and all of the travel, OHS students continue to give back to the community through music. Members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society recently visited Valor Senior Living Center in Orno, where they performed solos and small ensemble pieces and bringing joy to the residents um through their music. On to Polar Plunge results, um special thanks to the 183 students who signed up for the April Polar Plunge to the support the Unified Programs. It was actually a warm day, um unlike other years. Um the students raised over $18,079. 35% go back to team activities and the remaining funds and are donated to Special Olympics Minnesota. With the 2026 USA Games this summer, most of the funds will be used in Minnesota will be used to support the Minnesota delegation. So, shout out to the top fund raising teams this year, boys hockey, lacrosse, and girls soccer. And then on to athletics right now, just an update quickly. Um girls flag football, they are now this is as you know inaugural season. They have opened it by going 2-0 with wins over both Minnetonka and Hopkins. Um a great start for our Spartans. Baseball is off and running with the 6 and 1 record and a recent win against Wayzata on Friday. Shout out to Keegan Flansburg for a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh to win 4-3. Orono is currently ranked number four in the state. Boys golf also is ranked the same in open conference play with a first-place finish. The program's first conference win since joining Metro West. Sophomore Caleb Finstuen shot a 71 at the opening season opening tournament earning medalist honors. Girls golf continues a busy stretch with a match today at Windsong Farm Golf Club before closing out the week at IslandView, Alexandria, New Prague, and Hazelton. Lots of golfing. Our lacrosse boys stands at 2 and 4 this season with every match up tightly contested. Um girls lacrosse had a great start to the season with 4 and 1 record to date. Softball is 5 and 3 to start the season has three more conference games ahead just this week. Boys tennis just opened conference play undefeated so far and good luck to our boys in their upcoming matches. And track and field continues to impress at all levels and meets highlighted by strong performances at the Orono Invitational where the girls took first place and the boys finished second. Congratulations to Luke Withrow on setting a new school record in pole vault at 14 ft 3 in recently at the New Prague triangular and congratulations to Olivia Uselding who set two new school records in the 100 meter meter hurdles and 300 meter meter hurdles recently at the Spartan Invitational. A couple of reminder on upcoming events. The annual community wellness expo is this Thursday, April 30th at the activity center from 5 to 7. There will be more than 50 organizations sharing information and resources, hands-on activities. There'll be dinner for purchase and food trucks from food trucks and we hope to see a big crowd again this year. And last but not least, the Orono Foundation for Education Spartan Soiree is this Friday, May 1st. Although tickets for the event are now closed, the online silent auction opened today and you don't need to attend the soiree to participate. Proceeds from the event and the auction support our students in many, many ways. So, thank you to the foundation who are always donating their time, talents, and treasure to this important event. And that concludes my report for the evening. Thank you so much. Get a sip [snorts] of water after that. Um okay, next up are the board members questions and comments. Um I'm going to just highlight what the policy met and we are reviewing the policy that we discussed. Um Finance and facilities met or did not meet? We did. Okay, perfect. Could one of you Was I there? Uh no. >> No, okay, no wonder I didn't have it on my calendar. [laughter] Okay, good. So, I don't know which one of you wants to give the update. >> yeah. Um this was a a pretty short and easy meeting. Uh we went over the preliminary budget for next fiscal year. Um I would say three main bullets from it is that we have a balanced budget for next year that we're going into. We have a line of sight for growth of 1% which is what we're always striving to attain. And then the other which we have been working really diligently diligently on is continued growth in our fund balance. We see a pathway to grow upwards of 1 and 1/2% to get somewhere between 7 and 1/2, 8% as a as a final. Um that is a projection. Obviously, reality throws different curveballs at you throughout that year, but we continue to make progress on our fund balance which is really important to us. That concludes my finance report. Thank you very much. All good news. Um so, why don't we go around the table and see if there's other updates. Tim, would you like to go first? Uh I don't believe I have any other updates at this point. Laura? Dr. Flesher and I have attended meet and confer on Wednesday, April 15th. Um as you may remember, that's something where the teachers are able to meet with administration and board members to address issues that are not contractual in nature. Uh however, one of the issues as some of us on negotiations will remember, uh there was a discussion about approving certain uh teacher salaries for groups that they're leading and how that would fit on the teacher salary schedule. And we have a very good um proposal for the new process in place. Uh looks like everyone involved is you know in on board with how this would go and and will involve administrators. It will involve dissemination of information on this committee getting things out. And um it should be a good way to do it that will keep it out of negotiations which is where it shouldn't be anyway. Uh we also had that the teachers are interested in knowing what the construction projects will be for the summer and how to open the lines of communication as far as that goes. Um and and it may be just as simple as putting something in teacher lunchrooms and letting them know. But but there was definitely an interest on their behalf which I think is very merited and is something that should be relatively easy to address. Uh we also we're talking about um use of shared spaces before school during the summer and how those will all interface. So, we're going to be working with community education to try and make sure that that is seamless. Uh calendar talk continues. Um so, we will as you know, we try to do 2 years ahead. We already have our next calendar. Next one should be coming uh hopefully in May. We're expecting that. Uh and then there was some discussion about um staffing at Schumann and and some issues that that we're going to go over um and will be handled with administration in that building going forward. And that concludes my report. Perfect. >> Sounds like it was a very good meeting. It was. >> Thank you. Todd, do you have any other updates? Uh I I will acknowledge I should especially because we have a PTO member in the audience. Uh they had a meeting on Friday and I had a personal matter that was not able to attend. Um so, I will acknowledge that. Uh but no, other than that I do not have any other. Okay, Wendy. Um just two. First, I was able to attend um several showings of the high school music play, Blithe Spirit, and it was just fantastic. And I think um what came up repeatedly was that this is educational theater. And the kids just are allowed so much leadership and to try things that maybe aren't in their comfort zone. Um and maybe they'll totally blow it, but it's a safe environment and everybody picks up and helps around and it was really, really fun. Um the ownership that these kids had over the play in all areas. Um and it was a very much successful. They did a fantastic job. So, that was really fun. The other is I won't go too much into the weeds of what's happening at the capital. And as I listen to you with the fund balance, I'm like, "Well, let's see." Um it is not um really great um great news financially for schools um unfortunately. Uh compensatory is being discussed. The latest is um maybe we would get 82.3% versus 100% and that's just for one more year. Um the compensatory study group is going to be giving their recommendations in October. So, we'll see after that, but they're thinking maybe one more year, but only at 82%. Um and then they're coming out with the district runs. So, we'll know exactly how much that will impact us. Um the other is the $250 million cut in special education funding is still very much alive. Um both part both um the House and the Senate bipartisan don't support it, but it already is embedded in the budget and if they don't find $250 million in the that money is gone from schools. Um that will be cut. So, that's kind of hard to swallow, but it is a reality. Um the two good news is that there is um very much an appetite on both sides for um funding for safety and security on school campuses and possibly offering um one-time grants for school districts. Um so, that's about um it's about $42 per pupil one time for safety and security. So, that would be very welcome for us. Um even though we're still moving forward with our projects anyway, it's not holding us back, but that would really help fill some gaps. And the last that I just wanted to point out is I was looking through um a lot Well, two things. First, a lot of the bills that are kind of moving forward through the Senate um the omnibus bill, one of which I think really makes a very um impactful um statement. It Now, I've misplaced it amongst all of my paperwork here. It's a bill uh um allowing the use of utilities to be paid for out of operational fund as opposed to the general fund. The point being that schools are so highly regulated that you can't even decide from which pocket you pull to pay your gas bill. Like there are specific funds and I know Mr. Tainter tonight will be presenting the budget and he has laid out all of the funds and how what those pay for, but I mean, it is so regulated that even we need a bill saying, "Hey, can we pay it out of the operating fund versus the general fund?" And so, that is alive on the floor as a possibility. Um the last um is I know I I don't know if I've talked to all of you. Um there's a bill. It is alive in the Senate Omnibus bill. It is not in the house bill. Um but hopefully um it will stick. It's for Morehead public schools. And it is for a one-time transfer of fund balance from one of their other funds to pay for any areas um any other areas. So they can use if they have a fund balance in their food service fund for one time, they can use some of those funds to fill any holes in any of their other funds. I um emailed all of our local legislators asking for consideration to amend that for Orono schools um to be considered if not all state the whole state. Um so MSBA um has done a big push there um for statewide. Um but right now it's just for Morehead. So if it passes for Morehead, we will do a big push with our legislators for next year once a precedent is set if they don't approve that for Orono um for this year. So we'll see. More to come. Uh only May 18th is the deadline. So I'll keep you posted. That concludes my report. Thank you. It's a really helpful. Thank you. Gavin. Uh I think the only thing I have to add is um took the kiddos to the uh controlled burn at Shoreline fire uh was doing over over here. And so we went there. And um I was uh a little disappointed that the barn was condemned prior to the controlled burn that I know that there has been paint put on that since at least '99 and I can vouch every year since then. But before that I don't know. But I could just imagine what that barn would do if that had been started on fire cuz holy cow. Uh but it good to see it was kind of fun to see the community and people and everyone together and feel the heat of that. My gosh. That's it. Thank you. My only I also enjoyed Lights Out Spartan. I thought it was hilarious and those kids are amazing. Um I also attended the Spartan Parent Association meeting that's for our high school. Um and we um they went over in in very good detail their financial situation and how things were being spent versus the budget. Um I think the only thing and things are good. Things are very good. They're they are they stepped up and did are doing the um empty bowls at the wellness uh event. Um so that's fabulous. And they are looking for a for next year a vice chair, a vice treasurer, and a person in charge of communications. It is a small but mighty group. So um just wanting to let the community know that those openings exist. At least they did when I was at the meeting last week unless they filled them already. Um and that concludes our um board members questions and comments. Uh any other updates? Okay. On to old business. Our first item is policy review. Dr. Flasher. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um for action tonight are the following policies: policy 508 school sponsored curriculum and non-curriculum related students groups and activities. Um policy 521 student disability non-discrimination policy 532 use of peace officers and crisis teams to remove students with IEPs from student school grounds, policy 533 wellness, and policy 534 school meals. And um what we had talked about last time um was the same and we hadn't had further comment. So it would be as we discussed. Thank you. Uh do I have a motion to approve those policies? So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Any further discussion? Okay, hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. I. Any opposed? Okay, terrific. Is there any other old business business? Hearing none, we'll move on to new business. The first is termination and non-renewal of probationary teachers. Dr. Flasher. Thank you, Madam Chair. As I walk through the next agenda item, which is an annual somber event, um just missed wish to make a comment. Um First of all, for the members of the audience, we appreciate your care and engagement. Um continuing contract decisions are really challenging. Um that being said, um most importantly, I want to say on behalf of Orono schools that I thank each educator for their important contributions to the children of our community. We are very grateful for your service. And with that, I turn it back over to Chair Borchers to walk through the non-renewal process. Thank you. And it is a roll call vote. Thank you. Um I'm sorry. I should have um looked back at last year's. Is it Do we go person by person? Okay, perfect. So our first is the notice of non-renewal for Mary Madison. Um do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Any discussion? Okay. Um it is roll call. I. I. I. I. I. I. Thank you. Um next is Joseph Docken. Docken. My my apologies. A notice of non-renewal. Do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Uh any discussion? Okay, all all those in favor say I. I. I. I. I. I. I. Perfect. Not another notice of non-renewal for Carrie Heikki. Um do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Uh any discussion? Okay. Uh roll call. I. I. I. I. I. I. Thank you. I am going to need help with this person's last name. I'm Sorry. I'm very sorry. Another notice of non-renewal, Adara Cameran. I apologize if I didn't do that correctly. Um Uh do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Any discussion? Okay. And we're ready to call the roll call. I. I. I. I. I. I. Thank you. Um another notice of non-renewal of Robin Sukatwich. Thank you. Um do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Any discussion? Okay, hearing none. Roll call. I. I. I. I. I. I. The next one is a notice of non-renewal for Amanda Morton. Uh do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Uh Do any discussion? Okay. Uh then we're ready for the roll call vote. I. I. I. I. I. I. Thank you. That concludes that section of the business tonight. Um our next is the financial mid-year update. Dr. Flasher. Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to welcome Mr. Nick Tainter, our director of business services, to the board table for presentation tonight on budget adjustments for the 2025-26 school year. As you know, school budgeting is a very challenging task that we do annually. It's both an art um of science and art of finance. Um we have many unknowns at the point when we set the school budget at each year. It's such as contracts, legislative fiscal parameters to name a few critical drivers. Major impact on budget are always enrollment, state and federal resources, contracts for personnel. And all these are unknown variables to the degree that we can predict last June. And tonight you'll hear more updated status on this year's budget, which is in line with predictions. Um we're also projecting stable um in stable enrollment, which we're thrilled about. And um I want to thank Mr. Tainter and all of our school district. So I turn it over to Mr. Tainter. It looks red. All right. Uh hi. Thank you, Dr. Flasher. Uh Madam Chair uh Borchers and esteemed uh board members of Orono, thank you for having me tonight um to discuss our mid-year budget update. Um I think Miss Dr. Flasher said it well enough. That's stable. That's that's the keyword throughout this whole presentation. So things are going very well as far as our early projections are are are. And I'll give you some more details so as we move along through the presentation. First off, um as the as as I always like to start out with, um we've got the lovely door and um and looking out um towards the always looking towards our mission and vision and our values. And one of the values obviously is stewardship. So financial stewardship and then ensuring that we can uh you know, we can create a stable budget um that could carry us for the long term. And as is indicated even as an example of strong credit position helps us um uh achieve those goals that we would like in the long term and certainly long after we are all out here as far as that continuing to be the case. Um the second most important part and then I do want to mention too if the public doesn't know already our strategic plan and mission vision are all on the website. Um certainly go and check that out and see how this fits into that that the whole puzzle. Um student impact, you know, obviously we're here at admission um to to achieve exceptional experiences for our our kids. Um so our priority to we want to we don't want to see our finances prioritizing those students instructional um uses. So therefore you'll see throughout this presentation as well a focus on on the on just that. And then lastly transparency, it's always a great, you know, we're public entity and therefore our account our our budget and and accounting is all of of that nature as well and so we want to make sure that those things are all transparent. You will notice that there will be an updated budget book that will be posted online after soon after this meeting after the board approves the mid-year budget. Um and those that that are out there for stakeholders and others that would like to view that that'll be along with our preliminary budget which was passed last June. Um so take a look at that and I believe you already have a copy of that for for your purposes here tonight. Um so just a little bit of review very short I'll be very short with this because we'll probably do a little bit more in June when we're doing the preliminary budget for next year. But as you as you all are aware and for those that are not governmental accounting requires us and there's certain specific purposes for each of the different funds that we have. We have eight total funds that we manage. Um each has again like I said it's very special requirements and those kinds of things for those. So we have our obviously our core operations which is in our general fund that also gets coupled with your operating capital that Ms. Lundquist already mentioned about the possible flexibility of using utility costs to help offset with those uses. But that also encapsulates all our LTFM and anything capitalized as far as anything we would like to purchase for the for the that would come out of our operating capital fund and then our tech levy is in that as well. Um general fund's most obviously the most sensitive of all the funds because there it's a wide range of uses of those nature. We have again our main focus is that instructional side of things. Where food service and community service they're both very specific uses of of funds. Food service directly impacts the child's school nutrition and then our community service fund which um which oversees all of our early childhood as well as other programs that are outside of the school day. Then lastly capital we have the construction and bonded debt repayment funds. Those have specific uses for as far as use the construction fund for your construction purposes that we bond for and then we have the bonded debt repayment. We have debt service funds that then re schedule to repay some of that bonded debt over time. And then lastly internal and fiduciary we have health insurance and benefit trust. We are self-insured so we do have a separate fund that tracks all of those expenses and and and revenues coming in to ensure that we have enough on hand to help pay for any insurance insurance related costs. I just wanted to really kind of as as Mr. Matt said and mentioned stable enrollment looking forward same with this year and Dr. Fletcher have done to that is a stable. So we do have we do have currently you know still that anticipated 1% growth for this year's enrollment. Um this can help offset and enhances what we can use for for costs that we can control. So historically the state's we've seen anywhere between two to three even I mean lower than that certainly number number of years ago but the last four or five years we've been seeing two to three percent increases. This just helps 1% growth to the student enrollment allows us to give a little bit more when when things are needed and also to to make sure that we are still continuing to drive towards attracting students here for well-educated purpose. This is all funds so I want to mention that it's not just the general fund alone but there's we have right now we're anticipating 70.6 million dollars of of revenues coming in and 71.6 the revised from the original 70.5. So talk about stability and talk about you know what we had kind of anticipated at the beginning of the year still continues to be that with small adjustments here and there. Obviously a lot can happen between now and the end of the year so but we anticipate that revenues might be just a slightly higher than our original budget and our expenditures are higher than revenues but that's only because we for the main part we bonded in June so we took in bond proceeds so we had a higher revenues last year and now we'll be spending some of that this year. So that's how our year end is June 30th so we have to account for those things differently so it may look like we're losing money but that's not necessarily the case and this is all funds together. I'll dive more into the general fund though I really want to focus on that cuz that's like I said that's that's the one that um drives you know our our our assigned fund balance which is a fund balance policy that we need to adhere to that's related to the general fund. So just wanted to mention that of the 46.7 million dollars of operating revenues 70% comes from the state. Then we have another 25% coming from tax levy and local property taxes and then our other revenues which encapsulates federal funds which is pretty low and then as well and donations and other revenues that we take in for fees for the activity center and whatnot. Um this is [clears throat] still great to see you know that we're putting more most of our money in the classroom. So you'll notice regular instruction special ed and people support just the those three and there's a few other funds that were a little bit lower but but certainly instructional purpose for within instructional purpose. That all tied together that that equates to 76% of our budget spent in the classroom which is really great thing to see. Obviously we have sites and buildings which we have utilities to to to actually keep things warm and or cold you know cold or cool or whatever it may be. So that's all tied into the pupil support and then the administration budget is a mere 7% of the total. Spending by category so this is important too. We we definitely invest in in people here in the district. 82% of our budget expenditures are go to salaries and employee benefits. Whereas a mere you know shy 14% goes into purchase services and utilities. So again driving home that fact that we want to prioritize staff and those kinds of things throughout the budgeting process and ensure that that we aren't you know we're we're still you know we're still having to that that be our main focus due to our mission. Um so after you know talking through um what we what we want with the general fund and and seeing very stable budgetary numbers it's we are we're still have a good opportunity to increase our fund balance percentage. So as we've talked in the past you know, just try to be you know, slowly increasing that over time 1 to 2% you know, of that nature. The the district made a conscious effort during the pandemic to drive that down so in order to keep um things keep it continuing to go as normal and so that went from 15% down to three and since then we've been slowly increasing it. So at the end of last fiscal year we are just above 5% and now we'll add another hopefully 1.5% to that balance of 6.53 is what we're projecting. And just just to keep I thought this was a good metric to to show you all and and the public that it 6.53% is only equivalent to about three weeks of operations. So if we were to have any of those risks that actually that those risk mitigation occur you know, we have three weeks to to live on the cash we have currently. So that that is that is a challenge and certainly why we want to continue to increase that reserve over time anywhere between 10 to 15% is logical. Um and then yeah just our long-term fiscal health as I mentioned before you know, having a credit rating of an AA3 still has very favorable interest rates for all of our taxpayers on on the bonds we deal. As long as we continue to increase that fund balance percentage we may have a potential of going back to an AA2 rating which would be good good signs for future future bonds that we may need to enhance our experience here. But overall 44.25 million dollars of bonded debt balance as of June 30th, 2026. And then lastly, I just wanted to mention that, you know, obviously we've talked a lot about the general fund and a few other different funds, but not only just operations, but we have infrastructure investments. So, as we mentioned earlier, summer projects are on the on the on the schedule. So, we'll be looking at parking lot improvements and other building safety areas. We also have our tech levy, which has been 100% of technology infrastructure that we've noticed in in in really seeing a big increase to that and as as well as staff support in that area as well. So, those two big other two big areas that we want to make sure that we're continuing to strive to to to grow and to and enhance some. So, hopefully that helps the mission overall as well. With that, I have any questions and then their board approvals there. And then if you do want to see more details, you can found find the district financial resources on the budget finance page under about us on oronoschools.org. Thank you. Does anybody have any questions or comments? I'm thrilled about the fund balance. I mean, it's just thank you for working on that to everybody in your department and you know, it's the only way we can do it is slow and steady because no public school can build that super fast, but slow and steady is progress. I I'd like to continue to thank find facilities and finance for their keeping everyone updated about what is going on. This is all good information, but it's not really new information. Everybody has been keeping us aware of that all along. So, thank you very much for that. Good point. Thank you. Yeah, that's a great point, Ms. Waller, because I yeah, we've we had this conversation two months ago at the facility finance. So, it's always we're always looking ahead for for these types of things and yes, I I do want to second that and say big thank you to them for overseeing and asking the good questions and diving in a little bit more in the details. Anything else? I you didn't get into the weeds in this conversation, but you have in the past. So, just to reiterate how thankful I am for facilities and finance in the district just looking forward. Always looking forward. As I'm facing house projects on my own that I wish I would have maybe sprinkled over time versus now we're having to undertake large project. I appreciate so seeing steady numbers is just very responsible and I and more so, well, maybe not more so, but I appreciate the way this is laid out. It's very user-friendly. So, anybody who wants to understand school financing doesn't need to read the 100-page manual that the Senate will provide. Instead, you could take a look at this. Thank you. Well, with that, the recommendation is that we approve the 2025-26 mid-year revised budget as presented. Do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Any further discussion? Okay, this is not a roll call. All those in favor, say I. I. Any opposed? Perfect. Thank you very much. Um Okay, the next item is 8C, policy review, the first reading. Dr. Fletcher. Um thank you, Madam Chair. I welcome Dr. Aaron Rowland, our executive director of learning and accountability um for to the board table for discussion or brief remarks regarding the six policies in the 600 series on personnel. We covered these at our last policy meeting. These policies include policy 601, school district curriculum and instructional goals. Policy 602, organization of school calendar and school day. Policy 603, curriculum development. Policy 604 instructional curriculum, policy 605, alternative educational services, and policy 606, textbooks and instructional materials. I want to thank our policy committee for all of the readings and the meetings and effort. This is a first reading as a reminder. Um so, pre- please reach out with any questions or comments. Dr. Rowland. Thank you, Dr. Dr. Fletcher, Madam Chair, and members of the board. So, as Dr. Fletcher mentioned, we'll begin our 600 policy series review tonight. The 600 policy series includes a range of topics relevant to teaching and learning, but the six policies up for review tonight emphasize our work in the development of curriculum, courses, and materials. So, we have a strong established process for reviewing and revising curriculum. Um it's based on what our students need to succeed in their post-secondary educational career and life experiences. And our staff, parents, and community members are vital and important stakeholders in these processes. We value their perspective and believe they're crucial partners in achieving our student goals. The 600 series is also subject to many state and federal laws that shape our work including laws related to academic standards, legislative goals, course and content requirements, and assessment. So, while complying with those laws, we always keep at the forefront the needs of our students and the perspectives of our school community. So, highlights of the recommended policies before you tonight include the following: updating language in policy 601 school district curriculum and instructional goals to reflect the legislative change from the term world's best workforce to the term comprehensive achievement and civic readiness. Um refining definitions and descriptive language in policy 603, curriculum development to be more concise. So, you'll notice that that a more concise policy moving forward. Um updating policy 604 instructional curriculum to include the statutory requirements for course offerings across content areas. So, those are the statutorily required content areas. Um and adding language about library materials to policy 606 textbook and instructional materials, which is aligned with recent statutory changes. So, these six policies are the first in our review of the 600 series, which will continue into next year. These six policies will be advanced for a second reading and a recommendation for the board at the next board meeting in May. And as always, the board policy committee welcomes any feedback from board members. Thank you, Dr. Rowland. Thank you. Um Next up is for new business, any other new business? Okay, hearing none, the next regular meeting will be held on [snorts] Monday, May 11th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. here in the district office assembly room. I'd like to now adjourn to a work session for a report from Ali Chorley, Orono Coalition. Do I have a motion to adjourn? So moved. I have a second. Second. All those in favor, say I. I.