Gettysburg School District 53-1

This document presents an informational meeting conducted by the Gettysburg School District Board of Education concerning a proposed financial opt-out. It details the district's financial challenges, such as unsustainable reliance on Capital Outlay transfers for General Fund expenditures, declining student enrollment impacting state aid, and the implications of mandated minimum teacher salaries. The meeting's objective is to explain the necessity of the opt-out by providing historical financial data, comparing the district's situation with other school districts, and outlining current fiscal constraints.

The meeting included an Open Forum where community members addressed the Board regarding recognition for School Counseling Week, the need for a teacher in the preschool program, and a possible G-Club (Spirit club). The agenda was approved with the addition of approving the Gettysburg Teacher's Association as the bargaining unit for certified staff. Financial reports and February claims were approved with two conflicts of interest noted. Key discussions included rejecting the 4-day school week option in favor of the 5-day schedule, hiring a new para-professional, and approving volunteer coaches for Girls' Basketball (GBB) and Wrestling. The 2026-27 school calendar was tabled. Superintendent Mikkelsen provided updates on budgeting, foundation meetings, and the virtual learning contingency plan. Principal Jensen reported on CTE meetings, One-Act Play results, and upcoming parent-teacher conferences. Business Manager Everson noted the deadline for school board petitions and reported on donations received, uniform needs for the next year, and personnel changes in the kitchen. The meeting concluded with an executive session for Personnel and Legal matters.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and financial reports, as well as January 2026 claims. Key financial discussions involved review of claims against the General Fund, Capital Outlay Fund, Special Education Fund, and Food Service Fund, with associated balance reports as of December 31, 2025. Volunteer coaches were approved, as was the hourly payment for SPED services for Keith Scott. The second reading of the Medical Marijuana Policy was approved. Several Extra Curricular contracts were approved, including for Assistant MSBB and co-Head MSBB coaching positions. The board received information regarding a potential 4-day school week, which will be voted on in February 2026. The Superintendent provided updates on inservice activities, grade finalization, calendar consolidation efforts, and Teacher of the Year nominations. The Principal reported on improved attendance, parent/teacher conferences, and the Senior Trip planning. The Business Manager reported on W-2 forms completion and salary survey finalization. The board moved to and concluded an Executive Session for Personnel matters.

The meeting agenda was approved with an addition concerning the Athletic Handbook. Key discussions included community and teacher input regarding a potential 4-day school week, which is scheduled for further review in the January meeting. Financial reports and claims for December were approved, noting a conflict of interest disclosure for the Board President related to wrestling coach compensation. The Board approved resignations for an employee ending the school year and another at the end of December 2025, with the latter retaining the Tech Director role. Policy updates involved the second reading approval of the Bully Policy Amendment, while the Medical Marijuana Policy reading was tabled due to necessary changes. A volunteer coaching agreement for wrestling was approved, as was a minimum wage increase effective January 1, 2026. All board members were appointed as LAN representatives. Operational reports covered ASVAB testing, semester tests, attendance, and the status of the lunch spend down program. Noteworthy announcements included staff appreciation, the donation of permanent lights for the school memory of Ava Robbennolt, successful accreditation completion, and discussion on school funding. The session concluded with an executive session for legal, personnel, and student matters.

The Board discussed the outstanding balance owed by the Hoven School District under the Potter County Athletic Cooperative Agreement. The Board approved volunteer coaches and extra-curricular contracts. The Board approved the Emergency Bus Pact and printing Tara Egly's salary. The Board approved the Conflict of Interest of Disclosures from Board members Kelsey Fischer and Kyle Kusser. Updates were given on the 2025-26 budget, MSFB, online and Dual Credit classes, student schedules, inservice and open house items. The DJ Fischer Foundation was thanked for donating t-shirts to all students and staff, and also thank the Booster Club for the vinyl replacements. The overdue lunch accounts were reported on. The football parking drawing is August 18th and the cost is $35. The Booster club storage units and placement were discussed. The usage of the Country Club for Cross Country and golf meets was discussed.