SLEEPY EYE — The District 84 Board of Education unanimously approved its 2020 payable 2021 tax levy after a truth in taxation hearing Wednesday.

Finance Director Amanda Boomgarten said ADM (average daily membership) was the main reason for a $23,319 (2.03%) tax levy reduction.

The board unanimously approved a resolution to expect equity in Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) membership fees by school size and classification.

Superintendent John Cselovszki said the school district got an extra $5,000 participant fee from the MSHSL.

“Basically, they’re asking schools to bail out the high school league and that’s now how I think it should be. That’s a big burden on a small school,” Cselovszki said. “Most schools around here have approved similar resolutions.”

Cselovszki said Sleepy Eye and Mankato Public Schools received a $20,000 gift from Mary Ann Christensen. He said the money will be used for teacher appreciation, student incentives, social/emotional learning, creating relaxation areas plus kitchen equipment upgrades.

Board members and staff agreed with teacher/student survey results that showed satisfaction with the schools current everyday in-person learning for elementary students and hybrid (every other day in-person learning for high school students. Data was presented by high school principal Shane Laffen.

“We’re still in school. That’s the best news I can share,” said Cselovszki. “Most schools are using distance learning,” Laffen said. “We’re fortunate to have some in-person learning.”

“I feel as long as we have appropriate staff, we can stay with in-person learning for elementary students and hybrid learning for the high school,” said Cselovszki.

“It seems most people think we’re doing the right thing,” said board member Brian Nelson.

Board member Sheila Wurtzberger said she met with Brown County Public Health (BCPH) and learned that COVID-19 case numbers are down slightly and that BCPH feels its due to restaurants and bars closing and having no sports events.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.