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Mapleton Public Schools District #7 approves $375,000 tuition levy, adopts device policy and fills rural seat
Summary
At a July 31, 2025 special meeting, Mapleton Public Schools District #7 approved a preliminary $375,000 tuition levy to cover students attending neighboring districts, approved changes to non-certified staff benefits, adopted Policy FFI on personal devices, and appointed Blaine Anderson to an open rural board seat.
At a July 31, 2025 special meeting held by Zoom, the Mapleton Public Schools District #7 board approved a preliminary $375,000 tuition levy, approved proposed changes to non-certified staff benefits, adopted a personal electronic communication device policy (Policy FFI) and appointed Blaine Anderson to an open rural school board seat.
The measures were approved by voice motions recorded in the meeting minutes as "motion carried." Superintendent Jenna Farkas and Business Manager Meghan McGarry reported they had continued work on the district preliminary budget and proposed maintaining a $375,000 tuition levy to cover district students who attend West Fargo, Kindred and Central Cass. A finance meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 8, with the regular board meeting to follow immediately.
On benefits, the board reviewed a memo proposing adjustments to previously approved non-certified staff benefits "to make it fit our staff more appropriately." Brandon Runck moved to approve the proposed changes; Luke Steckler seconded, and the motion carried, as recorded in the minutes.
The board also considered Policy FFI, described in the packet as a personal electronic communication device policy that had been passed and required formal adoption. Trustees asked how the new policy differed from current practice; Superintendent Jenna Farkas said the district has not experienced a major problem with staff cellphone use and that "this will be watched very closely." Vice President Luke Steckler moved to adopt Policy FFI; Justin Cole seconded, and the motion carried.
Finally, the board addressed an open rural school board position. The minutes state Blaine Anderson expressed interest and completed required paperwork. Vice President Luke Steckler moved to appoint Blaine Anderson; Brandon Runck seconded, and the motion carried.
The meeting convened at 12:03 p.m. and adjourned at 12:40 p.m. The minutes record motions as "carried" but do not include roll-call vote tallies in the transcript provided; the board scheduled further budget work for Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
