The United South Central School Board held their regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and certified the preliminary 2020 payable 2021 tax levy and set their Truth in Taxation hearing for Dec. 15 at 6 p.m.

The board also discussed the renewal of the current operating levy which is expiring this year. There will be a slight increase in the amount of the levy due to inflation adjustments.

In other financial matters, Superintendent Keith Fleming informed the board the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) is experiencing a revenue shortfall.

“All the member school districts are being asked to support the recommendation of a task force which is calling for increased membership fees based on school enrollment,” Fleming explained. “USC, which is a Class A school would be charged an additional $5,000 with half of the payment being due Nov. 30. The other half of the payment would be payable on Feb. 28.”

A letter from the MSHSL stated the League’s annual budget has been approximately $9 million. The primary source of revenue has come from the state tournaments, with more than 75 percent of the League revenue coming from ticket sales, sponsorships and broadcast revenues.

“USC’s fee was scheduled to be $3,059 for this year. The extra payments will make the total dues $8,059 for the 2020-2021 school year,” Fleming said.

The board also heard an update on the latest COVID-19 case rate in the county.

“The number of active cases appears to be trending down,” Fleming told the board. “We monitor the numbers closely but as of right now we will continue with in-person learning.”

High school principal Julie Stauber mentioned there were currently 38-41 students distance learning.

“The number fluctuates because we have some kids distance learning because they are in quarantine,” Stauber said.

Fleming touted the teamwork of the staff.

“I am very appreciative of the staff and the extra effort they are making to keep the kids in school,” Fleming remarked. “It has been a challenge for everyone including the adminstration team, the food staff, the paras, the custodians, the technology department and the transportation department.”

Student representative Ari Schaper also offered an update on what the kids are doing to help fellow students deal with the pandemic.

“Some of the seniors are making a video which shows what students need to do so we can stay in school,” Schaper said. “I would also like to thank all of the teachers and staff for their efforts to help keep us in school.”

The board also:

Approved the medical leave requests of Dawn Marks effective Sept. 8 for up to one year and Pamela Wagner, effective until Oct. 7 of this year.

Voted to accept the retirement of Becky Sorenson, who worked as a media associate.

Approved the resignation of paraprofessional Lucila Reyes.

Voted to approve the written comments in support of the city of Wells Municipal District No. 3 and Tax Increment Financing, Economic Development, District No. 3-2 proposed plan. This is for the site of the new funeral home location.

Approved the revised Board Policy 5220 Title IX Sex Nondiscrimination Policy, Grievance Procedure and Process Attachment.