by David Hill
Editor

The Board of Education for School District 564, Thief River Falls, approved the 2022-23 final budget, and the 2023-24 original budget at its meeting on June 26. It also took steps to effectuate a balanced budget.

Tanya Monson-Ek, financial manager, outlined the budgets. She noted that the final 2022-23 budget was down by about $1 million, and that she estimated student enrollment at 1965. Over $750,000 of the $1 million expense covers the cost of long-term facility maintenance, which, she said, will be covered by state aid. She also noted that the unrestricted fund balance would be $2.9 million or 14 percent of annual expenditures, which is within the guidelines established by the Board of Education.

She noted that the 2023-24 original budget included many changes because of the legislative session. She said she estimated student enrollment at 1944, and that there were a lot of unsettled contracts – teachers and Teamsters, in particular. She said she did include a 4% cost increase. She also noted a $320,00 increase in the general fund, and she would keep an eye on the food services fund.

The Board of Education also approved a resolution for committing fund balance to the budget process for the specific purposes of separation/retirement benefits. This is a housekeeping measure, and for the purposes of audits.

The Board of Education approved a measure to renew its workers compensation insurance coverage with SFM Mutual Insurance Co., through North Risk Partners for the period from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 at an estimated premium of $92,654. This represents a 9% decrease in the premium.

End of Term
Start of a new term
Interim Superintendent Dr. Paula Henry thanked the Board of Education for choosing her as the interim superintendent last year, and for their tremendous support. During her year in Thief River Falls, she said she was able to work on many projects and make many connections. She said she found a community and school district that works together collaboratively.

She added that she felt fortunate to come into a district focused on its students. She said she will follow developments in Thief River Falls because she knows there will be many great things to follow.

Chris Mills now takes over as superintendent of schools in Thief River Falls.

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 10, in the District Service Center.