The Britton-Hecla Board of Education met last week Wednesday, Sept. 16, approving several personnel matters and discussing enrollment, funding and preparations for the remainder of the school year.
The board accepted the district’s 2026-27 annual report and approved working agreements and contracts related to recent changes in the business office. Shannon Wegleitner, who moved into the assistant office manager position, had her working agreement approved, while Kyla Kriese was approved as the district’s new business manager after moving up from the assistant office manager position.
The board also approved three early graduation requests and two staff lane changes and accepted the resignation of part-time custodian Lance Bennett.
The board approved payment to Kriese for nine days she worked in August, even though her official business manager contract began in September.
Superintendent Steve Benson also updated the board on the band teacher position. The district has been granted a Performing Artist Educator Permit for current band teacher Julie Zuehlke, allowing her to serve as the teacher of record and be paid as a teacher based on her background in music. The district is continuing to advertise the band position.
Benson also asked the board to amend the school calendar by removing an early-release day scheduled for April 28. The board approved the change, marking the second consecutive year the late-April early-out has been removed. Benson said the day falls shortly before the end of the school year and follows a full day of in-service, making the additional early release unnecessary.
Elementary Principal Kyla Richter reported that the district has a good list of substitute teachers but said the school is always willing to add more substitutes, particularly for later-in-the-day needs when teachers leave for sporting events.
Benson also addressed vandalism that occurred over the weekend on the football practice field. He said the district will press charges if enough evidence can be gathered.
Enrollment and the district’s financial outlook were also discussed. Benson reported 429 students as of Sept. 9, including students at Sunset Colony. That figure is about 15 students higher than the district had anticipated.
The official enrollment count will take place Sept. 25 and will be used in determining state funding for the following school year. Last year’s enrollment was 464 students, but the district no longer has Westwood Colony School. Benson said the current enrollment is down by fewer students than anticipated.
Looking ahead, Benson said one of his biggest concerns is determining whether the district will need to pursue additional funding in the future. He noted that pursuing an opt-out requires a number of specific steps that must be completed on a set timeline, so the district would need to begin preparing well in advance if that becomes necessary.
The board also discussed factors affecting school funding, including staffing, special education and open enrollment.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 14, due to the Columbus Day holiday.
