School board hears budget report

At its Monday March 4 meeting, the Hayward Community School Board received a budget update and discussed potential community education classes in the newly renovated buildings (referendum project),

Jenifer Frank, district business manager, said the 2024-25 budget is balanced, with spending equaling revenue. For 2024-25, the proposal is a $4.48 million surplus, and for 2025-26, the projection is a $381,609 deficit.

Frank said $2.3 million from the district’s fund balance has been applied to the ongoing building renovations.

ESSER (covid relief federal funds) are $2.9 million this year and will decline by $2 million for 2025-26. ESSER funds have been targeted to Covid recovery, student intervention and mental health: $2.9 million this year.

The district anticipates a student enrollment of 1,613 next year, a decrease of 18 from this year.

The board’s curriculum committee recommended that the 4K classes expand to five full days per week in the fall of 2024.

The board voted to hire Michelle Smith as high school girls volleyball head coach, and hired Tim Coyne as middle school wrestling co-coach.

Supt. Craig Olson reread that Jake Borchardt has started as school resource officer (SRO) and Matt Frye has not started yet.

Northern Waters Environmental School (NWES) students spoke of their plans to enhance the red pine plantation next to the school, including a walking/biking path, planting pollinators, perennials, blackberries, blueberries and apple tres, and removal of invasive species such as buckthorn. They also are looking to create an outdoor classroom.

Supt. Olson and board members discussed ideas for community education classes/activities, such as a fabrication lab, Farm to Table food class, pickle ball, and youth hunter-snowmobile-ATV safety classes.

Business education teacher Julie Thompson-Czub suggested having Microsoft Excel and Quickbooks classes.

District curriculum coordinator Kelly Rider reported that fourth and eighth grade students are taking standard math and reading tests this week. Juniors will take the American College Test (ACT) on March 12.

Ryder said the district has received a $25,000 fab lab grant to help purchase a portable mill, and has received a $300,000 “Smarter Connections” grant.