The Byron Buzz

Earlier this year, the Byron School District launched the Budget Committee—a dedicated group formed to enhance transparency and foster greater stakeholder input around school finances. Comprised of 15 members, including administrators, staff, parents, and community members, the committee plays a key advisory role to the Byron School Board.

The Budget Committee was developed as a focused offshoot of the former Finance and Facilities Committee, allowing for a more in-depth and collaborative approach to financial planning and decision-making. Its core responsibilities include monitoring district revenues and expenditures, reviewing forecast models for future budgets and projects, and providing input on fiscal priorities and strategies.

The committee will meet at least five times per year, and its most recent meeting, held last week, covered several important topics:

1. Budget Review
   Members reviewed the district’s current revenues and expenditures in relation to the revised budget. The district is on track and is expected to remain on budget through the end of the fiscal year in June.

2. Looking Ahead to 2025–26
   Interim Finance Director Dan Pyan presented early assumptions and considerations for the preliminary 2025–26 budget. These initial discussions will help shape a financially sound plan for the coming school year. The preliminary budget needs to be approved by the Byron School Board by June 20, 2025.

3. Operating Referendum Discussion
   Committee members examined financial models related to the upcoming operating referendum this fall. Their questions and feedback will help guide the district as it prepares to communicate with the community about this important vote.

As the district continues to plan for the future, the Budget Committee will be an essential part of maintaining fiscal responsibility while ensuring that the needs of Byron students, families, and staff are met. The formation of this committee marks a significant step forward in promoting transparency and community engagement in district financial matters.

Go Bears!

Dr. Mike Neubeck

The Byron High School Greenhouse is in full bloom under the careful guidance of the Plantopia class. Students have been busy planting, designing, and maintaining a variety of annuals, hanging baskets, vegetables, and herbs in preparation for this year's sale. This is the 12th year of the greenhouse sale.

The sale will be held in the BHS Commons and will be limited to just one weekend. Individuals can park in the circle and event parking lot at the front of the building. Cash, check, or card will be accepted as payment.

The sale is Saturday, May 10 from 9:00AM - 12:00PM at Byron High School.

Prices:
Individual flowers - $4 each
Veggies (4-packs) and Herbs - $2 each
10” Hanging baskets - $16
12” Hanging baskets - $25

Back Row (L-R): Wyatt Turner (10) - Ceramics "Vandalism", Mallory Truax (12) - Ceramics "My Sunflower", Dayne Huebert (12) - Painting "Pointillism", Zahara Michuki (11) - 2D Mixed Media/Collage "Untitled", Natalia Behrens (11) - Drawing "Lily Pad", Norah Thebiay (11) - Drawing "Future Career"

Middle Row: Amalia Sivertson (10) - Ceramics "Octopus" & Painting "Cosmos", Lukas Swenson (12) - Digital Photography "Landscape", Kadence Augenstein (11) - 2D Mixed Media/Collage "Slim Shady", Jadyn Baumbach (11) - Painting "Grandmother's Garden", Piper Wood (10) - Crafts "Woven Flowers"

Front Row: Onyx Frericks (9) - Ceramics "La Crepe", Abigail Arnold (9) - Ceramics "Cupcake", Drawing "Mountains" & Painting "Sun and Moon", Siddalee Bungarden (11) - Ceramics "Avocado Toast Earrings".

Not Pictured: Kayleen Erwin (12) - Graphic Design "Hodge's Class"

Byron students from Profe Dragich’s Spanish class helped sort and bag 511 pair of eyeglasses to be donated by the Lions Club, both nationally and internationally. They did a great job! All the eyeglasses were collected in Byron at Otto’s Bakery.

The Byron School Board met on Monday, April 21 to discuss key items affecting our district. You can view the full agenda HERE.

Meeting Highlights:

• Transportation Services Update
  Val Lindahl, Transportation Services Manager, gave an informative presentation on the current operations and plans for Byron's student transportation.

• Referendum Communications Support
  The Board approved partnering with Dehler PR to assist with communications related to the upcoming operating referendum this November.

• District Goals for 2025–26
  Board members approved the District Operation Plan goals for the 2025–26 school year, setting priorities to support student success and district growth.

Looking Ahead:
The next Board Work Session will be held on Monday, May 5 at 6:00 PM at the Byron District Office. A public listening session will take place just before the meeting at 5:30 PM—community members are encouraged to attend and share their input.

Video of Board Meeting

Anna Johnson, Anna Kelly and Seetaram Mugu represented Byron at the MSHSL State AA Speech Meet at Shakopee High School on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Seetarum Mugu - Extemporaneous Speaking

Anna Kelly - Serous Drama Interpretation

Anna Johnson - Serious Poetry Interpretation

Carson Hemier broke a 27 year old Byron record in the 200m Dash with a mark of 22.09 seconds. The previous record was achieved by Jesse Reed in 1998, with a mark of 22.28 seconds.

The 4x200m Relay record was broken by Jaxon Boynton, Ben Zimmerman-Moreno, Brayden Olson, Carson Heimer. With a mark of 1:30.52. The previous record of 1:30.53 seconds was set in 2013 by Jordan Hickey, Thor Knutson, Drew Fuchs, Ricky Brown.

Jaxon Boynton and Ben Zimmerman-Moreno hold the school records in every relay. (4x100, 4x200, 4x400, 4x800)

Marcus Leloux has been selected as the next head boys basketball coach at Byron High School. Coach Leloux comes with an extensive playing and coaching background both inside and outside of the Byron School District. We are very excited to have him in this role. Pictured: Marcus, McCoy, Maclaren and wife Megan

• May 22 at 6-8 pm
  Join us for a refreshing and fun-filled class, Mocktail Magic. This hands-on workshop will teach you how to craft delicious and creative mocktails that are perfect for any occasion. You’ll learn the art of mixing flavors, using fresh ingredients, and garnishing your drinks to make them look as good as they taste.

  Fee: $25

  Sign up

Fee: $80

Register

Byron Community Education Summer Camps & Classes – Now Open for Registration!

Looking for ways to keep your child learning, growing, and having fun this summer? Byron Community Education offers a wide variety of camps and classes for students entering grades PreK–12! From STEM and sports to art, theatre, and more, there’s something for every interest and age. Programs are led by experienced instructors in a fun, safe, and supportive environment—right here in Byron!

Register now and explore all offerings!