In Becker School Board’s last meeting for the calendar year, Jason Kindred and Lori Molus were thanked for their service in what will be their last meeting as board members. The board also heard presentations on Truth in Taxation and from the student council.

Truth in Taxation

For the school year of 2019-20, the school district reported a positive variance in all their funding categories – they took in more money than they spent on expenditures in the general, food service, community service, and debt funds. The resulting positive variance was just over one million dollars. This number is significantly higher than the board projected. This is partially due to cost saving measures that the board implemented at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and partially due to some additional special education funding. 

Most of the money the school makes comes from general education funding from the state. The amount of money given is determined by the number of students in the district. The district has been averaging a two percent increase in the student body for the last several years, with this year being the exception. This is not a unique situation compared to other Minnesota public schools, as many students have transitioned to homeschooling or online schooling.

The tax levy, which is the amount of money raised for the school district through taxes, is set by the legislature, and is subject to limits and review by the Minnesota Department of Education.

The proposed levy for 2021 is $10,885,433, an increase of 144,819 over last year. The amount of taxes a resident pays is determined by his or her property value, determined by the county assessor. Individuals who have questions about their property value can contact the Sherburne County Assessor’s Office at 763-241-2880, or at Assessor@co.Sherburne.mn.us. Questions about the school district’s levy can be directed to Kevin Januszewski, director of business services, by calling 763-261-4502, or at KJanuszewski@isd726.org.

Student Council Report

Representatives of the student council reported that there are some issues regarding student attendance in the high school as the students switch to all distance learning, which teachers are working to resolve.

The weight of tests on students’ overall grades will be decreased, as there is more opportunity for cheating when the students are attending remotely. 

Teachers have been asked to advise students to not study near other students, making sure each student has his/her own screen, and to count the student absent is s/he does not follow this rule. 

Many students are still lacking a reliable internet connection. The student council hopes to discover a method for the students to let their teachers know when they are having connectivity issues. Students who continuously have connectivity issues are encouraged to contact the schools. There may be a way to provide those students with a better internet connection. 

There are a few pros to distance learning, as well. Many high school students are enjoying the paperless aspect of being online. 

Distance Learning

The number of COVID-19 cases within the schools is expected to decrease as the secondary students switch to distance learning. With the middle school and high school students at home, elementary classes are making use of those spaces to spread out and socially distance themselves.

The Minnesota Department of Education has recently released new quarantine guidelines for those who come into contact with a person who has COVID-19. Students and staff who receive a negative COVID-19 test and display no symptoms only need to quarantine for seven days. Those without symptoms who do not take a test should quarantine for 10 days. Those who are living with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, or those who live in a building with lots of other people, should quarantine for 14 days.

Winter Activities

Winter sports and activities are postponed until further notice as per the executive order by Governor Tim Walz. When the executive order runs out, winter activities will commence, unless a new executive order is made.