Mapleton Public Schools District #7 board approves preliminary budget ahead of levy filing

The Mapleton Public Schools District #7 board approved a preliminary budget at a special meeting held Aug. 5, 2025, via Zoom, taking the step needed to submit a preliminary certificate of levy to the county.

The board met to finalize areas where costs could potentially be reduced and to review current student enrollment levels, though the minutes do not list specific dollar amounts or enrollment figures. Vice President Luke Steckler moved to approve the preliminary budget; board member Justin Cole seconded the motion, and the minutes record the motion as carried.

Board members in attendance included President Nathan Lotvedt, Vice President Luke Steckler, Justin Cole and Brandon Runck. Superintendent Jenna Farkas and Business Manager Meghan McGarry attended and participated in the budget discussion. The meeting was called to order at 12:03 p.m. and adjourned at 12:31 p.m.

The minutes state the board identified areas where costs could potentially be cut but do not enumerate those areas or provide projected savings. The document also notes the board discussed enrollment "where we currently stand on students," without specifying head counts or trends. The next procedural step recorded in the minutes is the submission of the preliminary certificate of levy to the county.

No formal vote tally appears in the minutes; the action is summarized as "motion carried." The minutes do not record any amendments to the motion, nor do they list individual yes/no votes. The meeting concluded after the budget approval and adjourned at 12:31 p.m.