The spotlight of the meeting was on the district’s operating levy, which received a 66% approval rate. The levy, which was part of a comprehensive campaign, aims to ensure necessary funding for the district by increasing general education revenue. The proposal includes an increase of $550 per pupil in taxes payable from 2026 through 2028, transitioning to $930 per pupil beginning in 2029, with further adjustments for inflation from 2030 to 2035. This measure will remain in effect for ten years unless legally altered.

Miss Tyel presented an update on the operational plan, highlighting the strategic communication and engagement efforts behind the levy campaign. The plan involved a clear focus on fiscal outlook, resulting in the decision to present the levy question to voters. The campaign’s goals included developing and implementing an effective informational campaign and collaborating with Kids First, the district’s advocacy group. The strategy emphasized understanding community perspectives and crafting a message that resonated with voters.

The implementation phase utilized various communication channels, such as emails, texts, voicemails, newsletters, social media, and direct mailings. Additionally, more than 30 in-person presentations were conducted across the district. The partnership with Kids First mobilized over 80 volunteers, who reached out to approximately 2,000 potential voters. The board expressed gratitude for these efforts, acknowledging the campaign’s strong organization and the importance of responsible resource management moving forward.

Superintendent Jeff Ronneberg underscored the extensive groundwork involved in building community trust, which contributed to the campaign’s success.

The meeting also addressed the district’s financial outlook, with Amy Schultz providing a detailed financial report for September 2025. She noted a cash balance of around $66 to $67 million, slightly lower than previous years due to planned summer facility projects. The district received approximately $7.7 million in aid, with 70% of expenditures allocated to staff compensation. Schultz highlighted a $900,000 increase in special education funding from revised legislative estimates and the positive impact of paying off OPED bonds.

In response to inquiries about bond refunding, Schultz confirmed that budget revisions would be forthcoming. Superintendent Ronneberg also shared positive anecdotes from school activities, including kindergarteners’ learning experiences and third graders assisting their peers with reading. He celebrated educational initiatives that challenge students academically and noted that 83% of recent graduates earned at least one college credit in high school.

The board confirmed the legal conduct of the November 4, 2025, special election, with 2,847 voters participating and approving the general education revenue increase. The board unanimously passed resolutions canvassing the election results and accepting gifts to the district.

The meeting proceeded with the approval of the Spring Lake Park teachers’ master agreement for 2025-2027, following extensive closed-session discussions. The motion to approve the agreement passed unanimously without further discussion.

Student representatives provided updates on school events, highlighting recent performances, sports achievements, and upcoming activities. They recounted the success of the high school play “Clue” and discussed plans for a student council blood drive. Sports updates included the girls’ soccer team’s recognition as section runners-up and a swimmer qualifying for the state competition.