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Britton‑Hecla board reviews preliminary budget amid enrollment decline, approves personnel contracts and special‑education cap
Summary
The Britton‑Hecla School District board on May 11 reviewed a preliminary 2026–27 budget that notes declining enrollment and directed staff to explore an opt‑out; the board unanimously approved multiple personnel contracts, declared special education at capacity for open enrollment, and set its next meeting for June 8.
The Britton‑Hecla School District 45‑4 Board of Education on Monday reviewed a preliminary 2026–27 budget that spotlights declining enrollment and directed staff to pursue an opt‑out as a possible revenue source. Business Manager Madisyn Neiber presented the budget and cited out‑of‑district moves and the loss of Westwood Colony as contributing factors.
The request to explore an opt‑out and "additional funding options to support the district’s long‑term financial stability" was discussed by the board; Kelli Erickson was named the district’s representative for the election canvass. Board President Troy Knecht called the session to order at 6:01 p.m. and the board voted unanimously on motions throughout the meeting.
The written April 2026 financials were reviewed. The packet shows a General Fund beginning balance of $936,903.04 and an ending balance of $850,573.51 after April activity; more detailed revenue and expenditure lines were presented by Business Manager Neiber. Board discussion focused on the enrollment decline as a driver of budget pressures and the potential role of a local opt‑out in stabilizing revenue.
On personnel and routine business, the board approved several motions by unanimous vote: adoption of the meeting agenda; approval of the April 13 board meeting minutes, financial reports and bills; acceptance of the consent agenda (which included unpaid leave requests for multiple staff, early graduation for Cassidy Williams, and resignations including Jakob Walden and Linnea Jackola); acceptance and signing of certified teacher contracts received by the May 6 deadline; and approval to offer working agreements to off‑staff coaches for 2026–27.
By motion of Erickson (second Landreth), the board approved the contract of Shannon Wegleitner as Business Manager. The board also voted (motion by Hawkinson; second by Grupe) to declare the district’s special education program at capacity for the 2026–27 school year with respect to open‑enrollment requests from students who reside outside district boundaries. That action places a temporary restriction on accepting out‑of‑district special‑education open‑enrollment applications.
The board also cast SDHSSA ballots, voting in favor of Amendments 1, 2 and 3 and selecting Jeff Kosters as Division IV Representative (motion by Hawkinson; second by Landreth). The board discussed possible participation in track and cross‑country for sixth‑grade students but took no action and asked staff to research the issue further. The board clarified that transportation to and from State Student Council Board meetings will be the responsibility of parents.
Mrs. Sheila Anderson delivered principal reports listing upcoming graduations and school events (BH graduation Sunday at 2:00 p.m.; Westwood Colony 8th grade graduation Monday at 2:00 p.m.; Sunset Colony graduation Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.; 5th grade celebration Friday at 8:30 a.m.; senior awards Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.; last day of school on Friday). Superintendent Benson reported the district continues to seek a girls’ basketball coach and a band teacher and noted his attendance at regional superintendent meetings.
The board set its next regular meeting for Monday, June 8 at 6:00 p.m. in the Britton‑Hecla Board Room and adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
