Sartell-St. Stephen School Board Weighs Virtual Academy to Retain Students Amid Enrollment Challenges
- Meeting Overview:
The Sartell-St. Stephen School Board meeting focused on topics such as the potential establishment of a virtual academy to retain students and the challenges of budget reductions due to changing enrollment numbers. Other discussions included legislative priorities, changes in employee health insurance brokerage, and community engagement initiatives.
54:06The board’s conversation centered on the potential establishment of a virtual academy, a response to the increasing trend of students opting for online learning options offered by other districts. It was noted that students enrolled in the proposed virtual academy would still be considered part of the district for state aid purposes. The board expressed a strategic interest in minimizing student drop-off rates, particularly as students progress to higher grades.
24:44Alongside the virtual academy discussion, the board examined the staffing process, which is expected to see budget reductions at both the elementary and secondary levels. Due to shifts in enrollment, the district anticipates reducing 4.3 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) in elementary education and approximately 3.5 FTEs across various secondary content areas. This decision was made after a detailed review of enrollment projections, class sizes, and section needs, with reductions particularly noted in the first grade due to a decrease of about 24 students. Concerns were voiced about the impact of losing an FTE counselor at the high school level, given the recent shift to a four-counselor model.
22:24Budgetary discussions were extensive, with the board addressing a projected deficit for the current fiscal year of approximately $434,000, a slight improvement from the previous year’s budgeted loss. The conversation underscored the importance of maintaining a minimum unassigned fund balance of 10%, in line with district policy. The food service fund, initially projected to face a deficit, was revised to show a reduced deficit due to increased revenue and decreased expenditures. The board expressed cautious optimism about the financial outlook, with the community service fund maintaining a healthy position.
38:26The board also tackled the issue of employee health insurance benefits, selecting USI as the new brokerage firm following a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Despite USI’s higher fee of $60,000 annually, the board favored the firm for its strong negotiating power with insurance carriers and innovative strategies aimed at reducing claims. The transition to USI is set to begin on July 1, with the firm providing enhanced reporting capabilities and services in population health and pharmacy consulting.
Legislative priorities were another focal point, particularly the need for financial equalization among school districts. A visit to St. Paul was reported, during which representatives met with legislators to discuss the significance of equalization aid, which could potentially lower property taxes through increased state funding.
48:21Community engagement initiatives were highlighted, including plans for summer events at the Sartell Community Center and discussions of ongoing facility needs. Despite exploring various properties, the district has yet to secure a new educational site. Additionally, the board acknowledged recent student achievements, such as the graduation of three students from the New Frontiers program and successful performances in music and robotics competitions.
Michael Rivard
School Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
04/21/2025
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Recording Published:
04/21/2025
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Duration:
114 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Stearns County
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Towns:
Brockway Township, Le Sauk Township, Rice, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Sauk Rapids Township, St. Cloud, St. Stephen, St. Wendel Township, Watab Township
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