SLEEPY EYE — The Sleepy Eye Public School Board unanimously approved a 6.63% general fund levy hike for payable 2026 taxes Wednesday.

The total 2026 tax levy of $1,310,539.69 includes a general fund amount of $1,015,104.90 which is $63,157.97 more than the 2024 payable 2025 levy.

Levy approval came on a motion by board member Brian Nelson, seconded by Casey Coulson.

Proposed $9.6 million budget revenues are 4.07% ($407,227) less than the actual 2024-25 budget.

Proposed expenditures of $10,267.780 are 0.26% ($26,968) less than the 2024-25 budget.

Tom Griffin of School Management Services said the 2026 general fund levy provides additional funding for district instruction programs, operating expenses and health and safety costs.

He said 52% of the 2025-2026 general fund budget goes to salaries, purchased services 23%, benefits 17%, supplies 4%, equipment 2% and other items 1%.

In August, the school board unanimously approved the issuance of $2.56 million in Series 2026A General Obligation Facilities Maintenance Bonds to replace four roof sections that have reached or exceeded life expectancy.

Roof sections to be replaced include the 1986 east and west wings, 1986 cafeteria wing and 1979 upper and lower elementary wings.

The project scheduled to begin in August includes replacing rubber roof, damaged insulation, roof-related metal panel facade and masonry and addressing roof structural integrity issues.

Sleepy Eye-Cedar Mountain School Superintendent John Cselovszki said the bonds can be issued without a public vote due to recent state legislation.

“The project is similar to a $2.7 million heating, ventilation and air conditioning project that will expire before the new bonds are issued. It means we won’t have to raise taxes for roof repair bonds,” said Cselovszki.

No public comments were heard at Truth in Taxation hearing.

Abdo, Eick and Meyers Certified Public Accountant Kelsey Larson said in her audit report that the school district has a very healthy fund balance.

Cselovszki summarized the school’s Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR) annual report.

A survey of staff, students and families showed many parents are now aware of the school’s strategic plan.

“We need to work on providing parents easier access to the plan,” said Cselovszki.

“Behavior continues to be a problem. We are considering adding lessons concerning classroom conduct and behavior to lessen these issues,” he said.

“There seems to be no negative media backlash or parent criticisms of the new backpack policy (not allowed in classrooms) and cell phone policy (only allowed before school, during lunch and after school).”

Cselovszki said the school received positive feedback concerning facility cleanliness and maintenance. He said parents and students are generally positive regarding instructors and classes.

The school met the goal of all students ready for school goal with 75% of Pre-K students identifying 75% of letters by May 2025. The goal was 65%.

The all students graduate goal was met with 97% of all 12th grade students graduating in 2025. The goal was 95%.

The all students prepared for lifelong learners goal was met with 78% of all 2025 graduates committed to participate in an apprenticeship, vocational program or two or four-year post secondary school opportunity. The goal was 65%.

The board unanimously approved referring discussion on new music course offerings for the 2026-27 school year for students not participating in band or choir back to the CAT (Curriculum Action Team) Committee.