"We were able to levy less in health and safety this year," Howard Caldwell, superintendent, said. "We levied more last year because of this year's roof repair project. In addition, the district has an increased net tax capacity which may have adjusted the amounts slightly," he added.
The board approved the proposed tax levy. The district certified $1,890,629. This compares to $1,950,148 certified for the 1998-99 school year.
The board will not adopt the final property tax levy until after the Truth in Taxation hearing on Dec. 7. The formal adoption will take place at their regular meeting on Dec. 21.
In other business
• The board approved a resolution authorizing the special election on Dec. 14 for the auditorium and fitness center.
•The board approved the following to serve as election judges: Jane Frieler, Aloys Hoppe, and Jan Kulzer. Don Wiese was named an alternate judge.
• The board approved an agreement with the Central Minnesota Mental Health Center for the services of a therapist. His salary is partially subsidized by the Stearns County Collaborative. The district shares the therapist with another school.
• The board discussed a proposal from Etta Wittgraf to eliminate cookies and Fruitopia from the ala cart items in the lunch line. She would finance replacing the items with fruit and orange juice.
Pat Flanders, board chairman, suggested the food service committee talk to Barb Koehn, food service manager, about the proposal.
"We need to look at what she is proposing. Maybe we need to give it a test period, then reassess the offer," Flanders said.
Caldwell stressed the committee needs to sit down and talk with Wittgraf and have her clarify her offer, then go from there.
•The board approved teacher lane changes for the following: Nancy Alstead, Michelle Andersen, Tammy Botten, Scott George, Jane Hjelle, Rebecca Hoey, Karlin Jacoby, Todd Knudsvig, Luella Louis, Karen Mumm, and Christine Quale.
• The board approved extracurricular assignments for Mary Janotta and Joan Nevitt, high school speech; and Berniece Voss, elementary social studies department chair.