USC School Board members were recognized for their service to the community at their most recent School Board meeting on Sept. 15. The board set the preliminary tax levy at that meeting.

The United South Central School Board met on Sept. 15 with one of the items on their agenda being to set the preliminary 2026 payable 2027 levy.

Following a review of the revised 2026-2027 budget by finance manager Stacie Whiteside, the board took up the matter of the proposed tax levy.

“Consistent with our past practice, Stacie and I recommend certifying the levy at the maximum amount allowed,” superintendent Taylor Topinka said. “This provides us with flexibility as we finalize the levy later in the year.”

The board voted to follow Topinka’s recommendation and also set the Truth in Taxation meeting for Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. with the regular School Board meeting to follow with a start time of 6:30 p.m.

During his report to the board, Topinka expressed his excitement for the beginning of the school year.

“There is always something special about welcoming students and staff back into the building,” Topinka commented. “I continue to be impressed by the positive attitude and mindset of our students, families and staff as we begin another year together.”

Although Topinka said he doesn’t consider enrollment numbers to be fully settled until October, he did have some positive news on the number of students attending USC.

“We are maintaining the highest student enrollment in the recent history of USC,” Topinka commented. “That is a very positive sign for the district while our continued growth continues to highlight our space needs.”

Topinka also took time to recognize the district’s School Board members.

“September is School Board Appreciation Month in Minnesota,” Topinka said while handing out certificates of appreciation to the members of the board. “I just want to take a moment to recognize the important role each of you plays in our schools and for our students.”

Activities director Joe Kuechenmeister updated the board on the USC activities for the fall sports seasons.

“Fall athletic participation is slightly down from this point last year, although overall numbers remain strong,” Kuechenmeister reported. “We are down 10 athletes from last year in football for grades 7-12 and down four for volleyball in grades 7-12. Clay target, which is grades 6-12, is down eight and the 7-12 cheer squad is down seven athletes. We are up seven athletes in grades 7-12 cross country and four in grades 7-12 girls tennis.”

Kuechenmeister also mentioned that the district has transitioned to Bound as the new platform for online registration, scheduling, scores/results, and cashless admission.

“As expected with any new system, there have been some hiccups, and it remains a work in progress, but overall, the transition has been positive,” Kuechenmeister commented. “Families have appreciated the convenience of online registration, and the scheduling feature appears to be more user-friendly than our previous system.”

Elementary principal Jennifer Taylor also reported that the new school year was off to a great start.

“The elementary open house on the first day of school was a success,” Taylor commented. “It allowed students to connect with their teachers, have their pictures taken, sign up for the bus, and gather important information.”

Taylor also gave a shout out to the players on the USC football team.

“On the second day of school, the USC football team visited the elementary school to form a tunnel for students as they entered the building. It has become a cherished yearly tradition,” Taylor remarked. “I appreciate our high school students taking the time to welcome and encourage our younger learners, creating meaningful moments of connection and inspiration. It also reminds our students to dream big.”

Taylor said enrollment in grades K-6 totaled 399 students which was down eight from last month.

“Our staff Back to School Workshop during the week of Sept.r 30 kicked off our school year with many positives,” high school principal Jen Bye said. “Staff were treated to several helpful training sessions including AI training from Luke Cumbee from Gruvy Education, unpacking the math standards training with Kari Pratt and Andrea Hansen from South Central Service Cooperative, and behavior intervention training from Jennifer Murphey and Melissa Haugh, the MTSS team, and other important training.”

Bye reminded the board that Homecoming at USC is scheduled for the week of Sept. 27 through Oct. 2.

“Homecoming coronation will be on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 6:30 p.m.” Bye stated.

Student representative Garrett Lau shared some more Homecoming information.

“We will have dress-up days during Homecoming week,” Lau said. “Monday is class color day, Tuesday is biker versus surfer, Wednesday is neon or wig out, Thursday is safari or camo and Friday is USC spirt day.”

Lau also reported that the FFA plot day, which was held earlier on Sept. 15, was well attended and a great meal was served.

The board also had some business items to take care of, one which involved making a decision to purchase a new auditorium projector along with addressing some ongoing issues with the cabling and connection system at the front of the stage.

“We are going to need to replace the projector at some point during the school year,” Topinka said. “The cost of a new bulb is significant enough that it makes more sense to put that money toward a new projector. Given how frequently we use this system, we recommend moving forward with the projector replacement and recabling project and having it consistently in good working order.”

The total cost of the proposal, which was approved by the board, was $25,364.

In other business:

• The board listed a 2010 Toro Z Master lawn mower as surplus equipment for the purpose of selling it.

• USC board policies Nos. 5140, 5150, 5160, 5160.5, 5170 and 5180 were re-approved.

• The board had the first reading of USC board policies Nos. 5190, 5200, 5210, 5220, 5230 and 5240.

• Contracts were approved for cooks helper Faith Buendorf, director of Community Education Laura Foley, paraprofessional Consuelo Nipp and bus driver Amy Robbins.

• A community information meeting will be held on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. with tours beginning at 5 p.m.

• The next School Board meeting will be at the Freeborn City Hall in Freeborn on Oct. 20, at 5:30 p.m.