Martin Board adopts 2024–25 tax levy, discusses vehicle financing and solar agreement

The Martin Board of Education adopted the district's 2024'25 tax levy during its annual budget hearing on July 22, approving 7.00 mills for debt and 18 mills for non‑homestead property. President Melanie Conley moved the measure and Vice President V. Tuinstra supported it; the board recorded unanimous approval.

The levy was the central action of a meeting that also addressed operational priorities for the coming school year. Superintendent Samantha Ball said the district is pursuing financing through United Bank to purchase 10‑passenger vans and described the bank's offer of a favorable interest rate. "We are pursuing the purchase of the 10 passenger vans. We will be getting the financing through United Bank for the vans, and they are offering us a great interest rate," Ball said.

Ball also said the district plans to sign an agreement with HI Tech Electric for a solar project and reported that the annual financial audit was completed; she noted the auditor Maner Costerisan will present at the Sept. 16 board meeting. The meeting record did not specify contract amounts, financing details, or timelines for the solar project and listed no dollar amount for borrowing from the revolving school fund; those items remain not specified in the minutes.

Principal Becca Lynema updated the board on staffing work ahead of the coming year, including plans to interview candidates for the athletic director position. "I am very excited for the upcoming year, and all the new things going on," Lynema said.

The board set the first committee meeting for Aug. 5, 2024, at 4:45 p.m. and adjourned at 6:43 p.m.