Jesse Duerst

The Algoma School Board will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed School District Budget for 2025-2026.

The School Board of Algoma adopted changes to previously approved budgeted amounts for the 2024-2025 school year. These changes affect various funds, including the General Fund, Special Education Fund, and Capital Projects. The General Fund saw adjustments in expenditure appropriations for items such as Undifferentiated Curriculum, Regular Curriculum, and Inter-fund Transfers. The Special Education Fund had changes in anticipated revenue, including Transfers In, Transit of Aids, and State Aid. The Capital Projects fund saw adjustments in Transfers In and Interest revenue.

The Algoma School District's Early Literacy Remediation Plan aims to cultivate a comprehensive ELA program that teaches essential literacy skills across all grade levels and subjects. The plan focuses on creating a culturally and linguistically responsive environment, utilizing evidence-based instructional practices, and providing tiered multi-level support. It includes a strategic early literacy assessment system, student supports such as interventions and personal reading plans, family and community engagement strategies, and a strategic use of data for instructional evaluation.

The meeting will include reports from the Board Correspondent, CESA, Student Representative, and various administrative reports covering finance updates, district updates, elementary and secondary school reports (including state assessments, summer school, the Huddle Program, and a band/choir trip), Pathfinder/Algoma Venture Academy/Pack of Pups reports (including an AVA Sevastopol visit and Costa Rica trip), and a special education/wellness report. Discussion will also cover misconceptions and rumors. Action items include approval of bills, the Board of Canvassers, summer school, an EDGAR policy, and a donation to cover overdue lunch balances. An executive session will address personnel matters.

The meeting will cover the election of board officers for 2024-2025, board appointments, designation of depositories for school funds, and designation of legal counsel. Reports will be given by CESA, the student representative, and various school administrators, including updates on finances, the referendum, snow days, and school programs. Discussion will also include misconceptions and rumors, staff appreciation, and various action items such as approving bills, job descriptions, contracts, and policies. An executive session will be held to discuss hires, staffing, contracts, and resignations.