Luverne School Board
By Nicole RonchettiJune 24, 2026The Luverne School Board approved a preliminary budget for the 2026-27 school year on Thursday, June 18, notably decreasing total expenses by over $30,000. The preliminary budget, which will be adjusted and finalized in the next few months, places the district’s budget for next year at $20,914,039.23. Last year the budget was $20,945,086. Part of the reduction comes from an expectation of…
By Nicole RonchettiApril 29, 2026After nearly two months of deliberation, the Luverne School Board has approved a calendar for the 2026-27 school year. At its work session on April 9, school board members discussed two primary contenders and the differences between them. Afterwards, Superintendent Craig Oftedahl created a third calendar based on their feedback. This option blends a calendar first presented to the board on…
By Nicole RonchettiApril 29, 2026The Luverne School Board approved a one-year contract for Superintendent Craig Oftedahl during its April 23 meeting. The contract covers the 2027-28 school year, and comes after Oftedahl announced his retirement earlier this year to allow himself to begin drawing from his pension. Oftedahl expressed a desire to be rehired, but also offered the board alternatives to seek a replacement. School…
By Nicole RonchettiApril 15, 2026Following Luverne Superintendent Craig Oftedahls’ retirement announcement, the school board plans to retain Oftedahl in the role following his official retirement. Oftedahl made it clear when the announcement was made that he hoped to stay on as a contracted superintendent. At the April 9 school board work session, Oftedahl said retirement would be a formality to allow him to begin…
By Nicole RonchettiApril 01, 2026The 2026-27 school year calendar is still up for debate among Luverne School Board members who voted at their March 26 meeting to table a decision. The board opted to delay the decision after receiving an additional calendar proposal backed by the Luverne Education Association. At the board’s March 12 work session, members had generally agreed on a calendar that would start the school year on…
By Nicole RonchettiMarch 18, 2026Continuing discussion from their last meeting, Luverne School Board members narrowed in on their preferred calendar for the 2026-27 school year during their work session on March 12. Of the options presented, board members decided on a clear favorite that would maintain a similar structure to years past. The favorite calendar would have 168 student days and begin on Sept. 8 before ending on…
By Nicole RonchettiMarch 04, 2026The Luverne School Board members were presented with four different calendar options for the 2026-27 school year during their meeting Thursday night, Feb. 26, but no clear favorites rose to the surface. The options were divided into two categories, “construction calendars” and “traditional calendars.” The construction calendars follow the pattern of the last six school years and were first…- By By Lori SorensonJuly 30, 2025Luverne School Board member Randy Sasker has resigned from the board due to his role with the new Christian school that’s starting in the American Reformed Church. “It is sincerely nothing against the district and administration,” Sasker said about his resignation that was effective immediately. “I accepted a role with the Equipt School Board, and it aligns more closely with who I am. I can’t…
- By Mavis FodnessApril 16, 2025Two probationary teachers were cut Thursday night, April 10, in a special meeting of the Luverne School Board. The meeting focused on eliminating more than $1 million from the 2025-26 budget. Luverne’s operating budget in 2024 was $21 million. Board members also accepted two retirements Thursday night. Prior to the special meeting, nine full-time teachers and support staff positions were…
By Mavis FodnessOctober 23, 2024Four Luverne residents are seeking election to three open seats on the Luverne School Board. Each term is for four years. Heather Johnson is the sole challenger in the field with incumbents Ryan DeBates, Tim Jarchow and David Wrigg seeking re-election. The Star Herald asked each candidate to answer three questions, keeping answers to each at 200 words or fewer. Questions included: 1.) Why are…- By Mavis FodnessApril 03, 2024The 2024-25 school year at Luverne Public Schools will begin Tuesday, Sept. 3, and end 168 school days later on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Luverne School Board members spent March 12 in a workshop discussing the 2024-25 school year, weighing pros and cons of three suggested calendars. Each option started and ended the school year on the same dates with different suggested dates for holidays and…
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