NICOLLET – The Nicollet Public School Board held a Truth in Taxation Hearing on Wednesday before their regular meeting.

Jim Freihammer, Business Manager, reviewed information on the school budget year of July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025, and the 2025 Levy. The taxes levied in the fall of 2024 are payable and collected in 2025. It is district revenue for 2025-26 school year.

The school district funds include the General Fund Levy based on student enrollment, the Community Education Fund Levy based on the population of the district, and the Debt Service Fund Levy based on annual debt retirement schedules.

The 2025 school taxes will be spent on the following: 46.56% for the General Fund, 3.27% for the Community Education Fund, and 50.17% for the Debt Service Fund.

The school district 2025 levy is changing by $147,271.94, a 10% decrease from the 2024 levy.

The school board approved the payable 2025 Levy in the amount of $1,325,586.93 as recommended by Superintendent Robin Courrier.

With the hearing closed, the regular school board meeting continued with the Superintendent’s report.

This was the last meeting for School Board Members Mike Slater and Nick Thom. Superintendent Robin Courrier said, “Thank you for your service and dedication to our school and kids. You will be missed on this board.”

Chair Adam Erickson added, “I want to also thank Mike and Nick for your time on the board. We appreciate your service, and the district appreciates it too. Thank you!”

Courrier reminded the board members that the MSBA Leadership Conference is on January 16 and 17 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. All board members and Courrier are registered for the conference.

“There is an early bird conference for new Board members beginning January 14 through January 15. I will follow up with the new members to see if they are interested in attending that conference,” said Courrier.

The District will continue with the current health carrier Public Employees Insurance Program (PEIP).

“We will enter into a four-year plan established by PEIP,” said Courrier.

Patrick Karl has resigned as the Band Teacher as of Monday. Courrier said, “I have already posted the position with a January 6 start date. I have also posted for a half-time band teacher, as we can be flexible as our numbers are down. I am optimistic that we will find someone.” James Bernau is serving as the substitute.

“Mrs. Meister has also stepped up to help,” said Courrier.

“Kudos to those who have stepped up and are thinking outside the box to help with the band,” said School Board Member Ashley Black.

Student Representative Sydney Hulke reported that Emily Rist is the December Student of the Month.

“Midterm is Friday. I think everyone is excited for the break coming up,” Hulke said. “The choir concert is coming up on Tuesday. There will be a Family Movie Night on Saturday put on by the Student Council. The movie will be ‘The Grinch.’ Next week, December 16-20, is Holiday Spirit week. Snow Week is planned for January 13-17.”