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Bemidji board unanimously certifies 2025 levy at maximum, rehires three staff and submits MSBA resolution
Summary
At its Sept. 15 meeting the Bemidji Public School District board voted unanimously to certify the initial 2025 (payable 2026) levy limitation at the maximum allowed, approved the reemployment of three previously released employees and authorized submission of an MSBA resolution asking the legislature to allow a one-year delay for costly new laws.
The Bemidji Public School District board on Sept. 15 approved several action items, voting unanimously on the initial 2025 (payable 2026) levy limitation certification, the reemployment of three staff members and authorizing submission of a resolution to the Minnesota School Boards Association.
Ashley (district staff) explained the levy certification process and recommended the board certify at the maximum allowed under state formulas so the district will preserve levy authority if MDE adjusts figures before the December final certification. Ashley said certifying the maximum avoids the risk of being unable to levy the total amount state formulas would allow after late formula adjustments. She noted the district’s adjusted net tax capacity increased about 6.9% year over year and the local sales ratio is 91.2%. Following a brief procedural exchange the board moved and approved certifying at the maximum by voice vote.
On personnel, Jordan Hickman recommended reemployment of three employees — John Kovach, Kristy Winchell and Kaye Serbich — after vacancies and updated licensure allowed them to return. The board approved the rehire resolution by roll-call vote (Frenzel, Haugen, August, Longboatner, Manatee and Wall answered yes where roll call was recorded).
The board also authorized submission to the Minnesota School Boards Association of a resolution asking MSBA to lobby the legislature to provide districts more time to absorb the fiscal impact of new laws. Board member Jack described the rationale for the resolution and cited recent state actions as examples: "they reduced special education transportation funding by 5% ... cut library aid by 34% per pupil and cut the minimum amount of aid per school district in half from $40,000 to $20,000," he said, arguing districts need more time to adjust budgets when lawmakers enact cost-driving changes. The board voted to authorize submission.
The board accepted a $2,500 donation toward sixth-grade football equipment and set several upcoming meeting and event dates (next regular board meeting Oct. 20; truth-in-taxation meeting in December).
Board Chair closed business and the meeting adjourned unanimously.
