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Early Retirement Incentive Introduced as Marshall Schools Face $1.1 Million Budget Deficit

Issue #213

06 Mar

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☁️ Marshall, MN Weather - Cloudy with a high of 40

🗞️ Early Retirement Incentive Introduced as Marshall Schools Face $1.1 Million Budget Deficit

🗞️ Minnesota Unveils Interactive Map for School and Child Care Lead Testing Results

📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!

📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

Early Retirement Incentive Introduced as Marshall Schools Face $1.1 Million Budget Deficit

The Marshall School District is projecting a $1.1 million overall budget deficit for the 2024-25 school year, with the largest shortfall stemming from the general education fund.

Rising salaries, ongoing contract negotiations, and increased insurance premiums have contributed to the financial strain.

The general education fund faces a $1.3 million deficit, partially offset by smaller surpluses in other funds such as transportation and capital outlay.

Meanwhile, food services and community service programs are also experiencing significant shortfalls.

To address the deficit, the district recently introduced an early retirement incentive program. Eligible teachers with at least 15 years of service and aged 55 or older can opt to retire with a monetary incentive, which will be applied to their health care plan savings account.

The district hopes the program will help reduce salary expenses by hiring new teachers at lower starting wages.

The budget shortfall is expected to reduce the district’s fund balance from 21% to 16.85%, with the minimum required balance set at 8%. If further cost-saving measures aren't implemented, the district may consider proposing an operating referendum to bring in additional funding.

The budget projections are available for public viewing on the district's school board website under the March 3 meeting date.

Official audit results are expected by the end of August.

Minnesota Unveils Interactive Map for School and Child Care Lead Testing Results

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has rolled out an interactive map to help families and community members access lead testing results for drinking water in schools and licensed child care centers across the state.

The new tool is designed to improve public access to information and promote transparency regarding water quality.

As part of a law that took effect in July 2024, public and charter schools, along with licensed child care centers, are required to test their drinking water for lead and report the results to MDH.

The interactive map allows users to search for specific schools or child care centers by name or location to view their water testing outcomes.

Early data from the reports shows that the majority of water fixtures tested did not detect any lead. A smaller percentage of fixtures displayed low levels of lead, while a small fraction registered levels at or above the state’s action threshold of five parts per billion.

Facilities with elevated results must take corrective measures, such as replacing fixtures or implementing filtration systems, to reduce lead exposure.

Lead exposure in children can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, and other health issues. MDH encourages routine water testing, especially after long periods of inactivity like summer breaks, when lead can accumulate in pipes.

The health department is also offering grants and resources to help schools and child care providers address any lead contamination found through the testing process.

The interactive map is part of the state’s broader efforts to safeguard children’s health and ensure access to clean drinking water.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Friday, March 7th

  • KC/VFW Fish Fry at VFW Post 2980, 116 E Saxon St., Ivanhoe, MN from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    • Serving Beer Battered Cod, French Fries, Vegetable & Dinner Roll

    • Adults $13, Children (age 10 & under)

Saturday, March 8th
Thursday, March 13th

  • Dementia Awareness Event hosted by Lakeview FCCLA at Lakeview Commons from 5:00 - 7:00 PM

    • Pulled pork meal

    • Free will donations will benefit the Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network

  • Granite Area Arts Council classes: Write your memoir from 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM ($20)

Saturday, March 15th
Thursday, March 20th

  • True Light Christian School Promise Banquet 2025 at The Upper Room in Marshall (100 W. College Dr., Ste. 300) at 6:00 PM

    • Join True Light Christian School for an unforgettable night at the Promise Banquet, featuring Sean McDowell, and discover how you can make a lasting difference at True Light Christian School.

  • Granite Area Arts Council classes: Carving for kids starting at 5:30 PM ($15)

Friday, March 21st

  • KC/VFW Fish Fry at VFW Post 2980, 116 E Saxon St., Ivanhoe, MN from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    • Serving Beer Battered Cod, French Fries, Vegetable & Dinner Roll

    • Adults $14, Children (age 10 & under) $9

Saturday, March 22nd

  • Spring Fling Pet Event at Animal Health Center in Marshall from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    • FREE Photo Booth: Bring your kids and / or pets for spring themed pictures

    • Free goodie bags for all pets

    • Free juice and cookies for humans

    • …and more!

  • Youth Sports Activities & Expo at the Red Baron Arena in Marshall from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Tuesday, March 25th
Saturday, March 29th
Saturday and Sunday, March 29th and 30th

  • 2025 Culligan Water Marshall Home Show at the Red Baron Arena and Expo Center in Marshall

    • Saturday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    • Sunday from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday, April 2nd (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jane Nelson Como (507) 829-1143

Friday - Sunday, April 4, 5 and 6th
Friday, April 4th

  • KC/VFW Fish Fry at VFW Post 2980, 116 E Saxon St., Ivanhoe, MN from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    • Serving Beer Battered Cod, French Fries, Vegetable & Dinner Roll

    • Adults $13, Children (age 10 & under) $9

Saturday, April 5th

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Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
Is Your Business One of Them?

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We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts.

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