SLEEPY EYE — Sleepy Eye FFA students presented the Sleepy Eye School Board with a recap of the FFA National Convention Wednesday.

The Sleepy Eye FFA was named a Three Star National Chapter, the highest ranking possible. It was cited for building communities and strengthening agriculture activities.

The National Sr. Quiz Bowl Team 1 of Kayden Klein, Mateo Hornsby, Carter Lazatin and Noah Rossbach placed second in the nation among 59 teams. Klein was the top scorer among 212 individuals. Anna Johnson was seventh overall on Senior Team 2.

The National Jr. Quiz Bowl Team of Madi Martinez, Kamille Capacia, Parola Gonzalez and Candy Castorena placed eighth among 28 teams.

The Sleepy Eye Poultry team of Zach Dominguez, Emerson Johnson, Ari Krzmarzick and Logan Ludewig placed 19th.

Lucia Martinez was a 2024 National FFA Chorus member.

Sleepy Eye American FFA Degree recipients were Sophie Gustafson, Morgan Hoffmann, Adam Johnson, Sophie Kyllonen, Leisha Martinez and Gracie Sellner.

In his 2024 Audit, ABDO Senior Manager Layne Kockelman praised the school district for its low property taxes compared to area schools and for not having an existing tax levy. He said the school’s average daily membership is 550.

Board member Joleen Dittbenner talked about the school district offering a music appreciation class as an alternative to required band or chorus classes. The subject with be discussed at the December board meeting.

A motion by board member Brian Nelson, seconded by Adam Barka approved donations to Sleepy Eye FFA included $6,000 from Bill and Julie Ries and $2,500 from Central Region Cooperative; $2,000 to Junior Achievement from the Darfur Sportsman’s Club and $1,000 for Biztown transportation from the Sleepy Eye Lions Club.

A special board meeting to hear interest survey results for a proposed recreation/fine arts facility mailed to residents and landowners this fall, begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25 in the district conference room.