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The Byron Buzz

News from BearNation: April 13

The Byron BuzzNews from BearNation: April 13
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Byron Public Schools Budget Update: On the Path to Financial Stability

After many hours of research, analysis, and verification this past fall, Byron Public Schools is pleased to report that we are headed in the right direction with our budget. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Interim Finance Directors Julie Cink and Dan Pyan, along with the hard work of our business office, the district has made significant progress in improving our financial outlook.


Back in December, our revised budget for the 2024-25 school year revealed a remarkable shift in projections. What was initially expected to be a $1,000,000 shortfall was reduced to just $56,000—a significant improvement. In the context of a $28,000,000 budget, this shortfall is considered minimal and manageable.


This progress would not have been possible without the leadership team, business office, and staff who have worked diligently to improve our financial standing. Month after month, the business office continues to track and analyze district revenues and expenditures against the revised budget. These updates are shared transparently with the public under the consent portion of each school board meeting agenda.


We're proud to report that, as of now, our finances are tracking better than originally budgeted. While our fiscal year continues through June 30, and unexpected changes could still arise, we are monitoring our financial status closely and remain cautiously optimistic.


We extend a thank you to Dan Pyan, the entire business office team, and all district staff who have contributed to our improved financial position. Your dedication has been instrumental in getting us to where we are today.


Looking ahead, the next steps involve meeting with the Budget Committee to discuss the preliminary budget for the 2025-26 school year and to assess the district's needs in preparation for the November Referendum. The preliminary budget must be presented to and approved by the school board before June 30th.


Byron Public Schools is committed to being responsible stewards of public funds. The goal remains clear: to restore and maintain an 8% fund balance and long-term financial stability. Thank you to the community for the continued support as the district moves forward.


Go Bears!


Dr. Mike Neubeck

Review & Respond: Byron’s Draft AI Guidelines

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a powerful tool in the world our students are growing up in—and Byron Public Schools is committed to helping them use it safely, responsibly, and creatively.


We’ve developed draft Generative AI Guidelines as a starting point for our schools. These guidelines aim to protect student privacy, promote academic integrity, and ensure AI is used to enhance—not replace—meaningful learning.


AI is already influencing the world around us—from job applications and healthcare to writing tools and search engines. These guidelines help us ensure that students are learning how to use these tools thoughtfully, ethically, and with teacher support.


👉 View the draft guidelines
👉 Share your feedback by April 23


We welcome input from staff, parents/guardians, Byron graduates, and community members connected to Byron. This is just the beginning. As AI becomes more embedded in our world, we’ll continue to build on these guidelines—always keeping student well-being at the center and making space for continued learning, conversation, and feedback.

Easter Floral Sale

Easter Arrangement Sale!!

Easter is right around the corner and the BHS Floral Shop class has been busy planning our Easter arrangement sale - we are looking forward to fulfilling your floral needs! Arrangements will include tulips in a variety of colors and waxflower, in a mason jar with an Easter greeting card (our inspiration arrangement is pictured below).


Floral arrangements are available to pre-order today through next Monday, April 14th by 9AM.

Arrangements are available for $15, and will be available for pickup or delivery on Thursday, April 17th. Deliveries will be made to all of the district buildings around 1:15 PM. If you would like your order ready earlier, please choose to pick up your arrangement at the high school office. Please send payment to Brooke Bordelon at the high school - checks can be made payable to BHS.


Thank you so much - Student floral designers appreciate your support and are very excited to make your special Easter arrangements!


https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScztcbvySbrVc.../viewform

Seen Around 531 Seen Around 531

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6th Grade at the State Capitol

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Environmental Science Class At Oxbow

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Byron Baseball Team Debuts New Home Field with a Win

On Wednesday, the Boys Varsity Baseball Team played its first game on the brand-new field behind Byron High School. The completion of the field represents months of hard work and dedication from many individuals, and it was a proud moment to see it finally come to life.

The "Boys of Spring" made the most of their new home, defeating Goodhue 2-0 in a memorable season opener.

Pictured: Aaron Gross delivers the first pitch on the new field.

Thank you to all the wonderful people, businesses and especially our Byron alumni who donated to our Byron Intermediate School I Love to Read Month! The kids were thrilled with their prizes! We had an amazing month of reading and making memories! Pictured: Principal Abe Rodemeyer and Luke Rodemeyer

Recap of the Byron School Board Work Session – April 7

The Byron School Board held a work session on April 7, covering several key topics and presentations focused on technology, food service, finance, and district governance.


Technology Update
Director of Technology Jen Hegna shared a comprehensive report on the wide range of technology currently in use across the district. She also addressed the lifespan of many of these devices, noting that a significant number are approaching their end of life and will no longer be supported in the coming years. Click here to view the full presentation.


High School Food Program
Principal Malia Schroeder and Food Service Manager Debby Franks presented an overview of the high school’s food program. Their presentation highlighted the unique aspects of the program and explained why it operates outside of the National Food Service Program. Click here to view their presentation.


Understanding School Budget Coding
Interim Finance Director Dan Pyan provided an educational session on how budget coding works within school districts, helping board members better understand the complexities of school finance. Click here to view his presentation.


Board Governance and Leadership
The board continued its development of the Byron School Board Handbook, a resource aimed at establishing clear, efficient, and transparent procedures for board operations.


Superintendent Contract Approved
The board also approved the contract for Byron's new Superintendent, Nate Walbruch. We welcome him to the district and look forward to his leadership.


CLICK HERE for the video of Monday Night's Work Session


The next Byron School Board Meeting will take place on Monday, April 21 at 6:00 PM at the District Office. Community members are always welcome to attend.

Speech Team Shows Well

The following Byron Speech Team members move onto the State Class AA Speech meet on April 26, 2025 at Shakopee High School


Ana Kelly, Serious Drama Interpretation, 3rd place

Anna Johnson, Serious Poetry Interpretation, 3rd place

Seetaram Mugu, Extemporaneous Speaking, 2nd place


The following Speech members placed at the Section meet:

Basey Buege, Extemporaneous Speaking, 4th place

Evan Lujan, Discussion, 5th place

Terrance Yamamoto, Creative Expression, 6th place

DJ Nicklay, Discussion, 6th Place


Upcoming Activities

Monday, April 14:

⚾ 5:00pm - Baseball: Boys C Game vs. Faribault @ BMS Field #3

⚾ 5:00pm - Baseball: Boys JV Game vs. Faribault @ BMS Field #2

⚾ 5:00pm - Baseball: Boys Varsity Game vs. Faribault @ BHS Field #10


Tuesday, April 15:

⛳ 1:00pm - Golf: Boys Varsity Dual vs. Lake City @ Lake City Golf Course

⛳ 2:00pm - Golf: Girls Varsity Invitational @ Shoreland Country Club

⚾ 4:30pm - Baseball: Boys C Game vs. Lake City @ Lake City Bluff View Elem.

⚾ 5:00pm - Baseball: Boys JV Game vs. Stewartville @ Stewartville High School

🥎 5:00pm - Softball: Girls JV Game vs. Zumbrota-Mazeppa @ Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School

🥎 5:00pm - Softball: Girls Varsity Game vs. Zumbrota-Mazeppa @ Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School

Wednesday, April 16: ~ No Events ~


Thursday, April 17:

👟 4:30pm - Track & Field: Boys & Girls Varsity Invite @ Faribault Ted Nelson Track @ Alexander Park

🥎 4:30pm - Softball: Girls Varsity Game vs. Cannon Falls @ BHS Field #11

⚾ 5:00pm - Baseball: Boys JV Game vs. Stewartville @ BMS Field #2

⚾ 5:00pm - Baseball: Boys Varsity Game vs. Stewartville @ BHS Field #10

🥎 6:00pm - Softball: Girls JV Game vs. Cannon Falls @ BHS Field #11

Friday, April 18: ~ No Events ~

Saturday, April 19: ~ No Events ~


Byron Project Kids


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We are hiring Program Assistants for the summer!

•If you are 18 or older and enjoy working with kids come join our team!

•No evenings, weekends or holidays!

•Monthly bonus based off of hours worked!

•Free childcare for K-5 if you are working!

•View the job posting:

https://www.applitrack.com/byronmn/onlineapp/default.aspx...

Sign up today! Pre-registration is required so we can order enough food and supplies.



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

    Summer’s just around the corner, and our most popular programs are filling up! 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!


    Secure your spot today before it’s too late!



Celebrate the season of renewal with a light and tasty cooking class! Middle schoolers will learn to make Mini Quiches with a variety of fillings like cheese, spinach, and ham, perfect for a spring picnic. They’ll also master the art of making Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade, a refreshing drink to pair with their creations. In this class, students will practice essential kitchen skills such as whisking, baking, and juicing while preparing a delicious, seasonal meal to enjoy!


Date and Time: April 25 at 3-4:30 pm

Grades 6-8

Fee: $35

Location: CEC - Culinary Arts Classroom

REGISTER HERE


Get ready for fun in the sun with Pickleball!

Learn to Play Pickleball for Adults

Dates: April 26, May 3 and 10th

Time: 8:30-9:30 am

Location: Community Education Center - Big Gym

Fee: $25

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