Perham-Dent School District is prepared to start the 2021-22 school year with a balanced budget, though revisions will be made in the fall. The school board is required to submit the budget prior to July 1.
The budget is the district’s “best guess” without the state designated funding, as Superintendent Mitch Anderson said. A majority of the general fund revenue is from the Minnesota Department of Education.
The budget is based on an estimate of 1,519 students in grades kindergarten through 12. This would be an increase of 27 students compared to the end of the 2020-21 school year.
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The budget also includes $784,934 in federal coronavirus funds.
“The School Board should keep in mind that there are several factors that are unknown at this point but which could change the budget significantly. These factors include: legislative action, enrollment, COVID-19 pandemic,” the budget report stated.
Board members Mike Hamann, Cyndy Huber and Arnie Thompson were not present at the June 9 meeting.
The board also:
Discussed the busy start of summer school with about 80 elementary students, 26 fifth and sixth graders and 150 seventh to twelfth graders. Area Learning Center director Jace Hennagir said the 150-200 classes being re-covered “blow any previous year out of the water.” The 7-12th graders include Perham and New York Mills students. The elementary is also having a preschool camp for 4-year-olds with one week each in June, July and August.
Awarded the 2021-22 milk and dairy bids to Land O’ Lakes.
Approved Anderson as the identified official with authority for a management system to approve users. The Minnesota Department of Education requires the authorization yearly.
Approved a one year agreement for technology services with Lakes Country Service Cooperative for $305,000. The district is looking at their needs in this department before signing a longer agreement, according to Anderson.
Approved a memorandum of agreement for training and internship opportunities for Bemidji State University education students with the district.
Approved the Lakes Country Service Cooperative annual membership for $5,021.50.
Approved the annual membership with the Minnesota School Board Association for $6,645.
Tabled further discussion about the sale of the Family Resource Center to Productive Alternatives. Approval of the purchase agreement is planned for the July meeting.
The next school board meeting is July 14 at 5 p.m. in the Perham High School media center.
