UPDATE: Byron Publics School continuing to develop referendum failure plan

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – A week after voters shut down Byron Public Schools' (BPS) referendum by almost 1,000 votes, its school board completed its first gathering since the election results.

School board members met to formally approve the voters' decision to not pass its referendum Tuesday.

During this year's election, BPS asked voters to approve an increase of $800 per pupil for the next ten years.

After a nearly million-dollar miscalculation, Superintendent Dr. Mike Neubeck said many factors are to blame for these financial difficulties.

On Nov. 6, Neubeck wrote the response of the district in a press release to address the community:

The Byron Public School District Operating Referendum did not pass on November 5. We truly appreciate our community for taking the time to attend meetings, read informational materials. and ask questions. Even though the referendum did not pass, these discussions surfaced valuable insights from our community members, and we're committed to addressing these concerns and working through challenges together.

During this process, we heard concerns about financial transparency and are taking steps to address them. The recent audit has given us a clearer financial picture, and we are using this information as we move forward with budget reductions. To ensure transparency and accountability, we will provide regular updates on our financial position so the community has clear insight into our fiscal planning.

As we refine our budget, we'll continue collaborating with our staff and community advisory committees and actively seek input from our broader community. Our community's engagement and feedback are essential as we explore creative solutions and make necessary adjustments.

While this outcome means we will need to make significant adjustments, our main priority is strengthening our finances and meeting the needs of our students and staff. This past spring and summer, we implemented approximately $1.5 million in reductions for the 2024-25 school year, and we are working closely with our interim finance director to ensure a transparent and accurate budget for this year. These measures, along with careful forecasting of expenditures and revenues for the 2025-26 school year, will guide the additional reductions needed in the next budget cycle.

We remain committed to strengthening the district's financial stability while prioritizing the well-being of our students, staff, families, and the entire community. This work is already underway, and we are confident that with continued support and input from our community, we can build a sustainable path forward for Byron Public Schools.

Neubeck declined an interview regarding the district's referendum failure plan.

Neubeck stated the board needs more time to discuss a solution before presenting its plan to the community.

The parent of three BPS students, Gary Mills said he voted no on this year's referendum.

"What has happened is the taxes, due to the different levies they've put on since I moved here 20 years ago, has been increasing to the point where we can't afford to even buy things that we need to buy for our household," Mills stated.

Mills said the district has misused tax dollars from previous referendums and more communication from the board is needed.

Mills blamed past school boards for mishandling the district's budget.

"This was handed down to [Neubeck] and he got a lot dumped on his plate, and he didn't know about it," Mills said. "And I think it's better sometimes to have the right information handed out instead of bits and pieces of wrong information."

Mills also mentioned he is comfortable giving the district more time to find the right answers when considering what the referendum failure plan could mean for his children's education.

The school board will discuss further plans for the failure of the district's referendum at Monday's board meeting.