Pelican Rapids board approves consent items and certifies proposed maximum tax levy

The Pelican Rapids Public Schools Board of Education voted to certify the district's proposed maximum tax levy for the 2024 tax year and approved its consent agenda during the September meeting.

Board Chair called for approval of the consent items, and the motion passed on an affirmative voice vote. The consent agenda included approval of the Aug.22, 2024 regular meeting minutes, financial claims and August bills, the treasurer's report and donations: $600 from Pelican Valley Living Center for teacher supplies and $100 each from student accounts and the Viking Boutique for clinic support. Personnel actions approved included resignations for Alejandra Rivera (full-time high school custodian), Naomi Gutierrez (special education paraprofessional, elementary) and Mayra Diaz (part-time union custodian, elementary), and hires for Melissa Berg and Alissa Hepburn as special education paraprofessionals at the elementary; the agenda also listed Brody Sutter for special education transportation/support roles.

Anne moved to certify the proposed tax levy at the maximum amount for the 2024 tax year; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. "So today, we want to approve the max," Mr. Martinez said during the treasurer's presentation, explaining that the board approves a maximum in September and works with the Minnesota Department of Education to certify the final dollar amount in December.

The certification of a maximum levy preserves the district's ability to pursue reimbursements and finalize figures with state agencies; the board did not set the final levy dollar amount at the meeting. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Oct.21 at 6 p.m., with final levy certification to follow later in the process.