Lake Benton board approves $472,229.93 in monthly finances, OKs special-education contract and hears admin updates

The Lake Benton Public School District board approved monthly financial statements totaling $472,229.93 at its Jan. 8 meeting; the report listed $210,000 as bond principle and $24,762.50 as bond interest. Trustee Heath Houselog moved approval of the financials; Trustee Steven Hurd seconded the motion, which the board recorded as passed.

The board also approved a contract for Isabelle Locke to provide Elementary Special Education services for the second semester. Trustee Steven Hurd moved the contract motion and Trustee Osland seconded; the motion passed.

Administrators provided routine operational updates. Administrator Hansen told the board the district continues to fill substitute positions as openings occur and highlighted recent and upcoming student activities: fourth graders attended the Young Writers Conference on Jan. 7, the district’s Spelling Bee is scheduled for Jan. 17, home basketball games are set for Jan. 13–14, and "Donuts with Dad" is scheduled Jan. 24 from 2:00–3:00 p.m. Hansen said he will begin drafting a preliminary 2025–26 school calendar and noted fifth- and sixth-graders recently visited Elkton to view art-show projects; Hansen also reported that Kory Foss has been hired as the new superintendent for Elkton.

Administrator Woelber briefed the board that a revised budget will be prepared in February, that planned e-learning snow days are scheduled for Jan. 20 and Feb. 14, and that phone handsets will need updating in the near future. Woelber also said follow-up with the Elkton board about PSEO reimbursement is pending.

The board moved from these administrative reports to new business items and then adjourned at 7:39 p.m.