NRHEG sets preliminary 5.58 percent levy increase

During their Sept. 21 meeting, members of the NRHEG school board approved a preliminary property tax levy increase of 5.58 percent, about $135,000 more than was collected in 2026. Of the district’s $14 million 2026-27 operating budget, about $2.5 million is expected to come from property taxes.

 

Area residents who want to know more about the district’s finances are invited to attend a “Truth in Taxation” meeting set for 6 p.m. Dec. 21 at the secondary school media center in New Richland. A final levy amount will be set in December; its amount can be lower than the 5.58 percent increase, but it cannot be higher.

 

Board members approved the $58,000 purchase and installation of two commercial-grade “Combi” ovens to replace aging units at the New Richland kitchen. In his summary, district superintendent Michael Meihak told board members funds for the purchase would be from the food service account.

 

Anticipated maintenance for boiler systems at both the New Richland and Ellendale sites was also addressed. Board members were asked to give advance authority to Meihak to make purchasing decisions based on information expected to be delivered prior to the October board meeting, in case quick action is called for. It was explained that at least $7,000 will be needed to increase the percentage of glycol in the New Richland system; testing will reveal whether the fluids in both heating systems have aged to a point where their full contents, more than 25,000 gallons each, should be removed, the system flushed, and then refilled. Costs for that process could be as high as $95,000 per system.

 

Because September is school board recognition month, board members were presented with certificates acknowledging their service. Board members were also asked to summarize the reasons they chose to run for election, along with accomplishments they take pride in.

 

Board chair Rick Schultz has been with the school board for 21 years; his term will end this December and he has not filed for reelection. Schultz shared that his own daughter was very young when the district made the decision to consolidate elementary classrooms formerly maintained at both sites to being only in Ellendale. He, and other parents, had strong reservations about the extra time and bus transfers young children would need to navigate when being transported from the western side of the district.

 

Despite the uncertainties, he stated, the process was completed, and has been highly beneficial for the district.

 

Generally speaking, board members named their service as a way to give back to the community, and to support the children and staff at the schools.

 

A summary read by Schultz provided the results of an annual evaluation of Meihak’s job performance, which took place in closed session during the August meeting. The summary stated board members found his work in the areas of communication, providing a safe and welcoming environment, managing budgets and resources and promoting growth all meet or exceed their expectations.