The main focus of the meeting was the approval of the 2025-2026 budget adjustments, which involved a reduction, primarily due to reorganization and decreased enrollment. The adjustments included the elimination of 2.3 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions for elementary specialists and a 1.0 FTE for the elementary nurse. Additionally, staffing changes at Faribault High School accounted for a 1.5 FTE reduction based on class sizes and enrollment trends. The cuts were described in detail, highlighting the financial necessity and strategic focus of the district in reallocating resources efficiently.

Discussion about these budget adjustments was extensive, with several board members expressing concerns about the impact on student engagement and achievement. Dr. Moore notably questioned the decision to reduce elementary specialist and interventionist positions while introducing new roles at the middle school level. She emphasized the importance of specialists, such as art and music teachers, and interventionists who work in small groups with students to meet specific instructional needs. The conversation underscored a tension between necessary budget reductions and maintaining educational quality.

Dr. Moore referred to a peer-reviewed study advocating for the benefits of paraprofessionals, especially in high-poverty districts, and suggested reallocating funds towards hiring more of these essential staff members. She also pointed out a $1,200 expense for community lunches, questioning its necessity amid budget cuts. Mr. Wolf supported Dr. Moore’s concerns by seeking clarification on the absence of paraprofessional positions in the new budget and requested confirmation that the adjustments aimed at efficiency.

The board also reviewed each line item in the budget adjustments, sparking further discussion about the allocation of resources. Superintendent Jamie Bente explained that the reorganization sought to improve efficiency and that some cuts resulted from a strategic shift rather than mere downsizing.

In addressing growing needs, the board proposed hiring two elementary teachers to maintain optimal class sizes and additional special education staff to accommodate increasing enrollment.

Following the budget discussions, the board turned its attention to revising attendance boundaries for Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt Elementary Schools. The boundary changes, effective at the end of the 2024-2025 school year, aimed to redistribute students and accommodate anticipated growth in areas with new housing developments. The proposal involved collaboration with Faribault Transportation to ensure efficient logistics and minimized transportation times for students, especially kindergarteners.

The new boundary map was designed to balance student populations across the schools while maintaining diversity and neutrality in transportation costs. Members also stressed timely communication of these changes to families to facilitate a smooth transition under the new plan.