Board approves preliminary levy, awards snow‑and‑ice contract and appoints election judges; consent agenda accepted

The Moorhead Area Public Schools (ISD 152) school board took several formal actions at its Sept. 22 meeting, approving a preliminary property tax levy, awarding a snow-and-ice removal contract, appointing election judges for a Nov. 4 special election, and approving its consent agenda. All recorded motions carried as presented.

Certify preliminary 2025 (payable 2026) property tax levy The board voted to certify the district’s maximum preliminary levy for 2025 payable in 2026 as presented. Superintendent Damer told the board the district is required to certify the preliminary levy to the county auditor by Sept. 30; certifying the maximum allows adjustments before the final levy is adopted in December. The preliminary figures presented showed the proposed levy at $23,760,994.25, an increase the superintendent described as “less than 1%” from the prior year; the district will present a final levy and the Truth-in-Taxation hearing during the December meeting. The motion to approve the maximum was made by Cassidy and seconded by Keith; the motion carried.

Award snow-and-ice management contract to JT Lawn Services The board awarded a multi-year snow-and-ice management contract to JT Lawn Services, the district’s incumbent contractor and the low bidder. Facilities presenter Steve Moore summarized the bid process (RFP issued Sept. 4; closing Sept. 18) and noted two bids were received (Valley Green and Associates; JT Lawn Services). Moore said the district budgeted to a mid-range snow total and estimated annual costs at roughly $214,000 (year 1), $221,000 (year 2) and $228,000 (year 3). He also said the district reduced plowed area (removing one parking lot and reducing a portion of another) to lower costs. Laura Lee moved to award the contract as presented; Melissa seconded and the motion carried.

Resolution appointing election judges for Nov. 4 special election The board approved a resolution appointing election judges for the Nov. 4, 2025 school district special election as presented. Keith moved the resolution; Cassidy seconded. The motion carried.

Consent agenda and routine approvals The board approved the Sept. 8 regular- and closed-session minutes, September claims, personnel actions (medical leave, contract changes, terminations, resignations and new hires) and other routine business via the consent agenda. Melissa moved to approve the consent agenda; Laura Lee seconded and the motion carried.

Executive-session motion and adjournment The board subsequently voted to close the public meeting at 6:40 p.m. under Minnesota Statute section 13D.03 for negotiations discussion; Cassidy moved and Keith seconded. After the closed session the board reconvened briefly and approved adjournment at 7:00 p.m.

Votes at a glance (as recorded in meeting) - Approve agenda as presented — motion by Laura Lee; second by Dave; outcome: approved by voice vote (ayes). - Approve consent agenda — motion by Melissa; second by Laura Lee; outcome: approved by voice vote (ayes). - Certify maximum preliminary 2025 payable 2026 property tax levy ($23,760,994.25 as presented) — motion by Cassidy; second by Keith; outcome: approved by voice vote (ayes). - Award snow-and-ice management contract to JT Lawn Services — motion by Laura Lee; second by Melissa; outcome: approved by voice vote (ayes). - Approve resolution appointing election judges for 11/04/2025 special election — motion by Keith; second by Cassidy; outcome: approved by voice vote (ayes). - Close public meeting under Minnesota Statute section 13D.03 for negotiations — motion by Cassidy; second by Keith; outcome: approved by voice vote (ayes). - Adjourn meeting — motion by Laura Lee; second by Keith; outcome: approved by voice vote (ayes).

The meeting packet noted that the preliminary levy figures are subject to change and that the business office and Minnesota Department of Education review processes will continue prior to final certification in December.