Cash saved by completing roofing projects early

By Robert Williams

Editor

The Frazee-Vergas School Board adopted the 10-year Long Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) plan Monday, July 8.

A major portion of the LTFM is the roofing project at both schools. Work at the elementary has been completed and crews have moved on to the high school.

“The roofing project is moving along; we’re a little bit behind but not by much, at all,” said Superintendent Terry Karger. 

Going back three years, the roofing project was scheduled out on a four-year plan, according to Karger. That plan would put the district in a position where it could avoid deficit spending within LTFM. 

The district saved money by electing to do the roofing project over just two years, but will deficit spend within LTFM for two years until the funds are covered.

“We knew that so this is not a surprise,” Karger said.

Within LTFM, deficit spending is allowed if shown how the district will get out of it. Using four years would have avoided that, but more money would have been spent on the roofing project.

LTFM is a state program in Minnesota that funds a facility’s ten-year plan. The program is established in Minnesota Statutes, and replaced three previous programs: Deferred Maintenance, Alternative Facilities, and Health and Safety. 

The LTFM program allows school districts, intermediate school districts, cooperatives, and joint powers districts to develop a plan and use LTFM revenue to fund it. LTFM revenue is a combination of state aid and property taxes. 

LTFM annual revenue is based on the age of the district’s buildings and square footage ratioed against adjusted pupil units.

The full statute is available online at www.revisor.mn.gov/

School Forest

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Forester Kent Wolf was in attendance Monday to discuss the school forest. 

Wolf discussed a stewardship plan and management advice on appropriate use of the timber. 

Having 25 years of local experience, Wolf has been part of harvesting pine and aspen in the forest. In the most recent 10-year cycle, harvesting aspen and balsam, along with ash cutting in a portion of the forest.

“As these forests age, the aspen only lasts so long if you don’t harvest it,” said Wolf. “It will tip over and be replaced by different species.”

Plans are to reset that portion of the forest and allow it to grow back.

Some oak may be harvested by opening the canopy in one-half to one acre patches to create a multi-aged healthy stand.

Plant trees and protect the current regeneration, including some white pines as they are shade mid tolerant in areas where there are gaps in the canopy.

Protect regenerating bur or red oaks with fencing or tree tubes to protect from deer or other animals.

Monitor for invasive pests and shrubs for the overall health of the forest.

The school forest was a project spearheaded by former instructors Ken Hammer and Doug Schwarzrock with the help of FFA students on the project near Eagle Lake. The group planted approximately 1.2 million trees.

Wolf also offered to lead a timber sales effort that can be done over a two-year harvest.

Timber sale receipts come back to the school to be used for environmental management and purposes, including student transportation and supplies.

Staffing

The board approved the following resignations:

• Food Service Worker Randi Newton effective immediately

• Paraprofessional Megan Kelsey effective immediately

• MVP Junior High Lead for the Positive Community Norms (PCN) Grant Sara Jacobson effective immediately

The board approved the following hires/renewals:

• Summer Grounds Worker Abby Nagel

• 2024-25 Grant Coordinator for the (PCN) Grant Heidi Moen

• Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Teacher/Coordinator Kimberly Antonsen

Bids/Renewals

Advertise for Milk Bids for 2024-25. The school district seeks bids for milk products annually. Vendors will be provided with specifications and their bids will be reviewed and approved at a future meeting.

Lakes Country Service Cooperative Annual Membership Agreement for FY 2025 $3,803.50

Minnesota Rural Education Association (MREA) Annual Membership Renewal for 2024-2025 for $1,978.

Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) Dues,  Policy Services Subscription $750; ISD Membership $4,309; BoardBook Subscription. $2,700 for a total of $7,759.

Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Agreement for the 2024-2025 School Year with Minnesota State Community and Technical College campuses at Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead, Wadena and M State Online at $211.15 per credit

Hornet Pride

Summer Recreation donations received from the Vergas Community Club $1,500

Summer Recreation donations received from JAYMAR LLC, Jay & Marlene $100.