The Byron Buzz

Dear Byron Families and Community,

On behalf of the School Board and all the staff here at Byron, I want to extend our warmest wishes for a Happy Holidays to all of our students, families, and community members. As we close out 2024 and step into 2025, I want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support of both our staff and students.

Looking ahead, we know the coming months will bring some challenges. As we prepare for financial adjustments for the 2025-26 school year and begin planning for an operating referendum this November, we are confident that the Byron community will face these challenges head-on and emerge even stronger.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support. During this holiday season, I encourage you to take time to reflect on the wonderful aspects of this community, and to enjoy the time spent with loved ones.

Go Bears!

Dr. Mike Neubeck, Superintendent

Due to the Holiday Break, we will not send out the Byron Buzz for the next two weekends. The next Buzz will be sent on January 12.

The Byron School Board held their December meeting last Monday. Here are the key topics that were addressed:

Truth-In-Taxation: The school portion of the payable tax levy for 2025 will increase by 6.07%. However, due to the recent valuation of housing in the area, most residents should see minimal, if any, impact on their taxes.

FY24 Audit: The Board received a presentation from the auditor regarding the 2023-24 school year. The audit confirmed a shortfall of approximately $2 million, which primarily stems from district-wide salaries and benefits.

FY25 Revised Budget: In June, the School Board adopted a budget for the 2024-25 school year. Interim Finance Director Julie Cink reviewed the budget line by line, identifying discrepancies. After her work, the revised budget now shows a much smaller deficit of $54,000, a significant improvement from the earlier projected $1 million shortfall. This revised budget is based on conservative revenue projections and higher-than-expected expenses, so we remain hopeful that this year will end on a balanced note—or even better.

Resignation: The Board also accepted the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Mike Neubeck, effective June 30, 2025.

School Board Members: Finally, the Board recognized and thanked three school board members—Duane Quam, Heather Holmes, and Matt Prigge—whose terms are ending. This meeting was their last, and we are grateful for their dedication and service to the Byron community.

CLICK HERE for the agenda with the links to the presentations

Click below to watch the video recording of the December 16th board meeting

Beginning this fall, you are able to skip the ticket lines and purchase your tickets for any varsity activity/athletic competition online. We encourage people to use this online ticketing so we can serve you faster and more efficiently. Before attending a game, go to this link: Byron Athletic Homepage where you can pay for the tickets and download them to your phone. Skip the lines and get a better seat for the big game.

Thursday, December 26 - Girls Hockey at Breck Arena at 5:00PM - Away

Thursday, December 26 - Boys Hockey at Graham Arena at 7:00PM - Away

Friday, December 27 - Girls Basketball at Northwestern College - 2:15PM - Away

Friday, December 27 - Boys Basketball at Northwestern College - 3:45PM - Away

Friday, December 27 - Girls Hockey at Breck Arena - 7:00PM - Away

Friday, December 27 - Boys Hockey at Graham Arena - 7:00PM - Away

Saturday, December 28 - Girls Basketball at Northwestern College - 12:15 - Away

Saturday, December 28 - Boys Basketball at Northwestern College - 1:45 - Away

Saturday, December 28 - Boys Hockey at Graham Arena - 7:00PM - Away

Saturday, December 28 - Girls Hockey at Breck Arena - 7:00PM - Away

Thursday, January 2 - Boys/Girls Wrestling at Fargo - Away

Thursday, January 2 - Boys Basketball vs. K-M - 5:45PM - Home

Thursday, January 2 - Girls Basketball vs. KM - 7:15PM - Home

Friday, January 3 - Boys/Girls Wrestling at Fargo - Away

Friday, January 3 - Girls Hockey at Chisago Lakes - 7:00PM - Away

Friday, January 3 - Boys Hockey vs. Chisago Lakes - 7:00PM - Home

Saturday, January 4 - Boys/Girls Wrestling at Fargo - Away

Saturday, January 4 - Boys Basketball vs. Benilde St. Margarets - TBD - Home

Saturday, January 4 - Dance Team at Winona - 11:00AM - Away

Saturday, January 4 - Gymnastics at New Prague - 11:00AM - Away

Saturday, January 4 - Boys Basketball vs. Delano - 5:30PM - Home

Tuesday, January 7 - Girls Hockey at Proctor - 7:00PM - Away

Tuesday, January 7 - Boys Hockey vs. Owatonna - 7:00PM - Home

Tuesday, January 7 - Girls Basketball at Stewartville - 7:15 - Away

Tuesday, January 7 - Boys Basketball vs. Stewartville - 7:15 - Home

Thursday, January 9 - Dance Team at Cannon Falls - 6:00PM - Away

Thursday, January 9 - Gymnastics at Stewartville - 6:00PM - Away

Thursday, January 9 - Boys Hockey vs. La Crescent - 7:00 - Home

Thursday, January 9 - Boys/Girls vs. Pine Island - 7:00PM - Home

Friday, January 10 - Gymnastics at PIZM - 6:00PM - Away

Saturday, January 11 - Boys/Girls Wrestling at Stewartville - 8:00AM - Away

Saturday, January 11 - Robotics - 10:00AM - Home

Saturday, January 11 - Girls Hockey at Moose Lake - 3:00 - Away

Saturday, January 11 - Boys Hockey at Hopkins - 3:00 - Away

Byron CE Winter Spring 2025 Class Catalog.pdf

The Creativity Club for Adults 55+ made tote bags on December 12 and 13 in the CEC Makerspace.