PEQUOT LAKES — In its regular meeting Monday, Sept. 19, the Pequot Lakes School Board voted unanimously to approve its preliminary tax levy for the coming year.
If the preliminary levy is approved as the school district’s final levy, the district will operate with a total tax levy of $6,181,236, which is an increase of $286,029 (4.85%) from the previous year.
When the board votes on a final levy in December, it may decrease that amount, but cannot increase the levy.
“By approving the maximum, we have some ability to change and decrease those numbers come December,” business manager Heidi Hagen said. “(The increase in levy total) doesn’t necessarily equate to an increase in an individual taxpayers’ property taxes – property tax increases and decreases are dependent on a number of variables.”
As required by the state, the board voted to schedule its truth in taxation meeting for 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, with its regular December meeting to follow immediately after.
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In other action Sept. 19, the board:
- Adopted a memorandum of understanding regarding Alternate Career Pathways for teachers.
- Accepted 11 donations to the district totaling $19,845.
As part of its consent agenda, the board accepted the resignations of American Indian Education Program Coordinator Alison Falenschek, assistant dance coach Gabrielle Carey, middle school paraprofessional Caleb Demarais and Interact Adviser Benjamin Starns.
Board members approved the hiring of American Indian Education Program Coordinator Lisa Christensen, fourth-grade teacher Alyssa Sauerer, van driver Stephanie Bright, head boys hockey coach Erik Vetsch, middle school softball coach Mykala Griffin, Interact adviser Megan Johnson and Knowledge Bowl coach Breanna Hattenberger.
High school paraprofessionals Nancy Peterson and Michelle Gullixson were laid off, but recalled as middle school and early childhood paraprofessionals, respectively.
Board member Derrek Johnson was not in attendance, while Kim Bolz-Andolshek attended remotely.
Dan Determan, sports writer/staff writer, may be reached at 218-855-5879 or dan.determan@pineandlakes.com. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Dan.
The Trust Project
