A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the district’s financial health. The projected budget deficit of $2.3 million was a primary concern, with contributing factors such as a decline in state aid for unemployment, anticipated to drop by $275,000 next year. The board also noted the financial strain of implementing the new Wht and Wisdom curriculum, which requires approximately $200,000 for full adoption. Inflationary pressures further compounded these challenges, affecting various components of district finances.

To mitigate the deficit, the board acknowledged budget cuts totaling $700,000, encompassing around $600,000 in staffing reductions. This decision comes in the context of a basic education funding formula increase of only 2%, a significant decrease compared to the previous year’s 4%. The looming expiration of federal COVID-related funding was another issue, with the district poised to lose about $570,000 as the last of the Esser funding concludes, alongside the elimination of the emergency connectivity fund, which previously provided $450,000 for technology purchases.

Transportation expenses have surged by 26%, equating to roughly $550,000, due to a shortage of service providers. The board navigated negotiations with existing providers, ultimately securing a more manageable 6% increase over two years instead of the proposed 11.5%. Personnel costs remain a substantial part of the budget, accounting for 80% of expenditures.

Discussion further revealed that special education funding, which saw an increase of $800,000 to $1 million this fiscal year due to legislative changes, is expected to decrease to approximately $250,000 next year. This reduction reflects broader statewide challenges, with many districts grappling with reduced funding and rising operational costs.

In addition to financial deliberations, the board addressed the Mahtomedi School District’s facilities maintenance plan. The need for an indoor air quality project estimated at $1.8 million was highlighted, with some funding derived from leftover bond money from a previous project. The board approved the preliminary budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, emphasizing the importance of strategic financial planning amid economic uncertainties.

Beyond financial matters, the board also engaged in discussions about student achievement data and instructional changes. The implementation of the Read Act and its impact on classroom instruction was a focal point, with particular attention on the professional development of teachers through the Letters program. The board reviewed data from FastBridge assessments, which identified students at high risk for academic difficulties, and confirmed that intervention programs are in place for those needing additional support.

Concerns about the year-over-year progress in student achievement were raised, with questions about the influence of pre-kindergarten participation on reading proficiency. The district’s Kindergarten Transitions Team was mentioned as a initiative in preparing incoming kindergarteners by providing families with guidance on creating supportive learning environments.

The board also reviewed enrollment data for advanced placement (AP) and college in the schools (CIS) courses, with plans to expand CIS offerings through partnerships with different universities. The absence of AP Computer Science due to insufficient enrollment was confirmed, while the addition of AP pre-calculus received approval for the next academic year.

In closing, the board approved donations and grants totaling $143,300, which are intended to support the district’s mission in alignment with donor wishes. The meeting concluded with a resolution to establish filing dates for an upcoming election period, and a motion to select official school district depositories.