The USC School Board is shown during their meeting which was held in Bricelyn and not in Wells, on Tuesday, April 21.

Students at United South Central School in Wells might have a bigger smile on their faces when they learn they will be getting out of school one day earlier than originally planned.

“I am suggesting modifying the 2025-2026 academic calendar by moving the last day of school to Thursday, May 28,” USC superintendent Taylor Topinka said the USC School Board meeting held in Bricelyn on April 21. “I would also suggest designating Friday, May 29, as a Professional Development Day.”

Topinka explained the reason the district was able to make this change was because they had not had to use all of their snow/at-home-learning days.

“During the snow season, we utilized one traditional snow day and one virtual-learning day for our full-day weather closures,” Topinka explained. “There was one Monday when the other area schools were closed because of bad weather but USC was already scheduled to not be in school that day.”

The board approved the change in the school calendar.

During his report to the board, Topinka mentioned how this time of year always seems to pass quickly.

“Our focus remains on keeping students engaged and giving their best effort to make the most of the learning opportunities still ahead,” Topinka commented. “And yes, at this point of the school year, the countdown is officially on – it is just 140 days until the start of the 2026-2027 school year.”

Topinka also provided an update on what is happening at the State Capitol.

“It is a bit nerve-wracking for school finance,” Topinka stated. “There are several big topics left unaddressed and our fiscal year 2027 budget needs to be finalized in just five weeks which is when the spring session of the legislature is done.

One of the main concerns, according to Topinka, is in the area of compensatory funding.

“The total compensatory funding (statewide) initially had a target of $891 million,” Topinka said. “The governor’s target is set at $837 million which would certainly impact us further and we will continue to monitor it.”

The superintendent reminded the board members that the district’s health insurance renewal will be coming up soon.

“Medical inflation has seen a 10-12 percent increase over the past year,” Topinka commented. “It is unlikely that our renewal rates will be attractive this cycle.”

Topinka concluded his report by saying the Lions Club Annual Athletic Banquet will be held on May 27.

Elementary principal Jennifer Taylor reported that MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment) testing is underway.

“The high school has completed science, and students in both the elementary and high school are nearing completion of math,” Taylor said. “Elementary reading testing will begin on Tuesday, with the high school to follow, and will wrap up with fifth-grade science in the last week of April.”

She also reported that high school students have completed the ACT, PreACT and WorkKeys tests.

“Overall, testing has gone smoothly, aside from an internet issue on Tuesday,” Taylor remarked. “A huge thank you to Tyler Hintz, Karen Robbins, and Kaylee Newman for their partnership in this significant effort.”

Taylor shared that with the school year drawing to a close, there will be some field trips on the schedule, including trips to Fort Snelling, the Alexander Ramsey House and Como Zoo.

Enrollment in grades K-6 was 385, which is two fewer students than one month ago.

High school principal Jen Bye told the board that 12 USC FFA students had earned their State FFA Degrees this year.

“Those students are seniors Kolt Bullerman, Riley Stevermer, Brayden Mithun and Alyssa Winkle,” Bye said. “Along with juniors Ivy O’Rourke, Mitchell Meyer, Wyatt Rauenhorst, Julianna Clore, Kade Wigern, Brody Steinhauer, Jayden Barnick and Sydney Sauke.”

Bye reported that USC students in grades 10-12 would be attending the mock crash simulation at Blue Earth Area on April 23.

“This event highlights the importance of distraction free, responsible driving choices,” Bye commented.

Bye reminded the board that USC’s prom will be held on Saturday, May 2.

“The Grand March will start at 2:30 p.m.,” Bye noted. “There will be a $2 entry fee for spectators at the Grand March. The prom and dance will be in Blue Earth at MTS Farm and Events. Post prom will be at the WOW Zone and Victory Bowl in Mankato with many fun activities in which students can participate.”

Bye closed her report by saying the current enrollment in grades 7-12 was 343, which was four less than the previous month.

In other business, the board:

• Accepted the resignations of van driver Steve Kauffmann, elementary teacher Mary Olson and director of Curriculum and Instruction, Karen Robbins.

• Approved the 2026-2027 capital outlay budget.

• Approved board policies Nos. 4130, 4140, 4150, 4160, 4170, 4180 and 4190.

• Had the first reading of board policies Nos. 4200, 4210, 4220, 4230, 4240, 4250, 4270, 4300 and 5010.