News

The students at St. Philip’s Catholic School in Litchfield have been busy getting ready for a Christmas concert. “Rejoicing with Mary” will be presented at the Church of St. Philip on Thursday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

5th grader Zacharias says they will also perform the concert for residents of Ecumen next week. He says they had a visit last Friday from St. Nicholas and learned all about him during St. Nick Night.

Zacharias says they are close to reaching their financial goal for their annual marathon so any additional donations to the School of St. Philip would be greatly appreciated. He says he’s looking forward to Catholic Schools Week at the end of January – especially the field trips.

5th grader Maci says she’s looking forward to the dress up days during Catholic Schools Week. She says the students collected food for the Meeker Area Food Shelf during the month of November and collected over 100 pounds of food and about $400.

Principal Andrea Dietrich says St. Philip’s School is in the lighting contest in Litchfield so any votes for the school would be appreciated. She says the Believe It Achieve It event is coming up on February 1st at the Litchfield Eagles Club with the Dueling Guitars and tickets are on sale at St. Philip’s School, St. Philip’s Church and at the Litchfield Eagles Club.

The Litchfield School Board certified the 2025 property tax levy last night in the amount of $6,680,892.20. It’s an increase over last year of 5.66% or $358,023.74.

Business Manager Jesse Johnson gave a presentation on the levy and budgets during the truth in taxation hearing. Johnson also told the Board last night about a sprinkler pipe that had frozen over the Thanksgiving break and then burst – flooding the main entrance to the High School, the vestibule, office, conference room, lobby and commons area, and the clean-up that has been taking place in the meantime.

Also last night, out-going Litchfield School Board members Julie Pennertz and Michelle Falling were recognized by their fellow board members as it was the last meeting for both of them. Falling says she’s served with good people on the Litchfield School Board during her 4-year term and there are always challenges. Pennertz says a lot has happened over the past 8 years as she’s served, but her fellow board members have been very cooperative.

Pennertz mentioned COVID as one of the challenges, and fellow board member Darrin Anderson added that they’ve gone through 2 superintendent searches in the past 8 years, a referendum and building projects. Board member Greg Mathews says school board members across the nation face threats and it takes thick skin to serve. He commended quality people like Julie and Michelle for their willingness to serve on the Litchfield School Board.