School budget keeps in mind who the district serves

School budgeting involves more than dollars and cents, property tax levies and unspent balances. A budget is also supposed to reflect those who are served by a school district.

The 2022-23 certified budget approved by the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn school board is intended to serve the needs of its students. Superintendent Patrick Carlin explained during Monday's board meeting that the budget – specifically the general fund or operating budget – funds staff and resources to accomplish that goal.

The district's operating fund spending limit is $9.5 million; however, Carlin explained that planned expenditures are only $8.8 million.

Revenues to fund those costs include state foundation aid. The amount of State Supplemental Aid – the amount of growth of state funding – for 2022-23 was set at 2.5 percent by the Iowa Legislature. For H-M-S, the combination of SSA and increased enrollment translates into approximately $400,000 in additional state foundation aid.

But H-M-S is also a "property rich" district, which impacts the amount of taxes levied for the operating fund.

"More of it is funded with the unified levy and not as much by state aid," Carlin said.

Property taxes are also levied for non-operating fund purposes, including debt service. When the $18.9 million bond issue was passed in 2018, the board increased the levy rate by $1.50, to a total of $13.29 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

But starting the following year, H-M-S has reduced its levy rate. The $12.94 rate for 2022-23 represents a 15 cent decrease from the current year, and an overall decrease of 35 cents.

"That's a nice trend," Carlin noted. "We've had a nice, steady decline."

• Business Manager resigns, interim appointed

Business Manager and Board Secretary April Hengeveld submitted her resignation two weeks prior to her final day of employment on March 18.

Hengeveld resigned in order to pursue another career opportunity. She had served as business manager and board secretary at H-M-S since July of 2017.

Brenda Decker, currently the office secretary at the high school, was named interim board secretary. Carlin commended Decker and other staff for their willingness to help out during the transition.

The process of finding a new business manager is underway.

"We've conducted a few interviews and are watching the candidate pool," Carlin said, adding that the situation is complicated because many prospects are under contract until June 30.

• Contracts issued, more personnel changes

Contracts for 2022-23 were issued to certified staff members who have not indicated they are leaving the district. Salary amounts are based on the agreement reached between the H-M-S Education Association and the board.

The package includes a 4.4 percent raise in the base salary along with an increase in health insurance costs.

Personnel Committee Member Ryan Haack said the current relationship between the two parties is "positive" and is reflected in the process of reaching a settlement.

Separate contracts were issued to the following: Megan Christiansen, Jacquelyn Cosby, Emilee Enfield and Skyler Forbes, elementary teachers; Nicole Schupann, high school math; Sara Ho, secondary special education teacher; and Andrew Yenzer, secondary band instructor. Ann Elgersma was hired as an associate for the high school.

Katie Henderson, currently a 5-6 social studies teacher at H-M-S, requested to be transferred to fill a high school social studies position next year.

Resignations were accepted from Justine Meendering and Danica Thome, elementary teachers; Russ Spier, middle school softball and girls' basketball coach (2022-23); Jay Eilers, assistant high school boys' basketball coach; and Rodney Ahrenstorff, custodian, effective May 23.