One item at the meeting was the truth and taxation hearing, a statutory requirement that provides the public with insights into the district’s financial landscape. Business Manager Mary Reer presented an overview of the levy certification recommendations and budget summaries. Notably, the local property tax levy is set to decrease by approximately $130,000, from just over $11 million to about $10.9 million. This decrease is attributed to slight changes in the general fund and adjustments in community services funding. Reer explained that these modifications were influenced by various factors, including bond payment requirements and fund balances.

Reer also detailed the operating referendum revenue comparison, revealing that last year’s certification was $634.70 per student, which will rise to $652.47 per student due to inflation adjustments. Despite this increase, Delano’s figures remain lower than the state average, which is nearly $1,500 per student. Beyond the operating fund adjustments, Reer mentioned a decrease in the operating general fund, expected to drop by almost $1.8 million primarily due to Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) projects. Further financial challenges include a projected $400,000 deficit in the food service fund, although the community education service is expected to see a $325,000 increase in its fund balance, despite concerns about declining program revenues.

Following the financial review, the board moved to the consent agenda, which included routine reports and minutes from prior meetings. This segment passed without discussion. The board then approved the acceptance of gifts totaling over $15,000 from various organizations to support educational initiatives and extracurricular activities. This was followed by a relatively small personnel matters report for December, which also passed without discussion.

Superintendent Matthew W. Schoen provided key updates in the administrative reports section, announcing plans to explore options for community building enhancements. He outlined a timeline for further discussions with architects scheduled for January and emphasized the importance of addressing the current state of the building. Schoen also mentioned ongoing feedback processes for two leadership positions: the director of finance and operations and the new high school principal.

Principal Thompson from the intermediate school presented updates on parent-teacher conferences, advocating for a reassessment of their purpose and format given the increased access parents have to student information through digital platforms. Enhancing parent engagement at this transitional school level remains a priority, alongside ongoing professional development for teachers and the upcoming universal screening for students in January.

In the high school report, Principal Voit recognized two senior students for their accomplishments in arts, academics, and athletics. He shared an impressive statistic, noting that only seven students across grades 9 to 12 received an F in the first trimester, a marked improvement over previous years. This success was credited to the diligence of both students and teachers and the effective use of intervention time. Voit concluded by discussing the high school’s site-based team meeting, which focused on finalizing the registration guide.

Further updates were provided by Miss Schultz from the elementary school, who shared data from the SAVERS program. Discipline referrals have decreased from the previous year, with the most frequent incidents involving disruptive behavior and minor physical interactions. The school reported an attendance rate of approximately 95%, and two new paraprofessionals have recently joined the staff to enhance student support.

The board reports section included updates from a recent meeting of the Masico special education district. Discussions involved the ratification of the Ed Minnesota agreement, fund balance, and substitute teacher pay. The Safe Schools meeting focused on emergency procedures, new K12 health standards, and resources for older students with attendance issues, alongside legislative discussions about parents covering costs for students who drop out of post-secondary options.