District levy to increase less than 1 percent

Luverne School Board officials adopted the maximum levy increase of .75 percent at their regular meeting Sept. 26.
The amount was recommended by district administration, but the percentage could change when the state issues the final levy amount by December.
“It comes down to enrollment,” said business manager Marlene Mann. “This could change significantly … as an impact for the future.”
At three-quarters of a percent, district property owners would pay an additional $29,091 in 2020 or a total of $3.884 million.
As of Sept. 20, enrollment was 1,205 students, a decrease of 33 students from a year ago.
“It may not seem like a huge issue, but from the funding side that means approximately $200,000 less revenue,” said superintendent Craig Oftedahl.
According to latest audit information for the district, revenue generated for the 2017-18 school year was $16.5 million. The district spent $17.5 million.
The final levy amount will be approved after the district Truth in Taxation meeting on Dec. 19.
 
In other business, the board:
•accepted the snow removal contract submitted by Ver Steeg Construction of Luverne. Last year the district spent $16,650 on snow removal.
•gave permission to compile a list of excess school property. Items will be offered for sale or disposed of at a later date.
•approved hiring Jodi Nelson as part-time elementary teacher, assistant cross county and assistant track coach for a salary of $25,213 beginning Sept. 5; and Alannah Lendt as long-term substitute elementary teacher for Brooke Van Essen from Sept. 5 through Oct. 25.
•granted medical leave to Nyla Sohl, paraprofessional, from Sept. 10 to Oct. 1. They also granted leave for Dana Wolf, elementary teacher, for six weeks maternity leave, six weeks family and medical leave and four weeks of unpaid childcare leave from Dec. 26 through April 27.