A central topic of the meeting was the resolution for the 2025 recertification of the updated population for the school district. The existing population figure was recorded at 84,485, but new estimates using 2024 data from the Minnesota State Demographic Center placed it at 85,097. This updated estimate is crucial as it affects the funding the district receives. The law mandates that the board submit this updated figure to the state demographer by July 1, and the board was urged to approve the resolution to accommodate the revised funding considerations for the forthcoming fiscal year.

Another point of discussion was the presentation of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. The school board is legally required to approve a balanced budget by June 30, and this proposed budget was developed using the best available information, with revenues spread across nine different funds. The general fund, which comprises the majority of the budget, was highlighted, showing a slight increase in enrollment and a 2.74% increase in the basic formula allowance. However, reductions in revenue were anticipated, including a $154,000 decrease in compensatory revenue and over $660,000 in Title I revenue.

Dr. Anderson detailed rising costs impacting the budget, such as increased utility costs, TRA contributions, transportation, and insurance. Negotiations with various bargaining units were still pending, adding complexity to the budgeting process. The board discussed enrollment data, indicating an average daily membership of 10,399 and adjusted pupil units at 11,389, which informed the funding formulas based on grade-level weights. This data highlighted why secondary students, due to the complexity and cost of their education, are weighted higher.

The proposed budget projected revenues of approximately $196.3 million against expenditures of $199.3 million, necessitating covering the deficit from fund balance contributions while maintaining the unassigned fund balance within the board’s parameters of 8-10%. The board addressed questions about fund separation, confirming that funds for specific services like nutrition could not be transferred to the general fund.

The board also tackled a resolution concerning the approval of the proposed budgets for the 2025-26 school year, which passed unanimously. Revisions for the 2024-25 budget were presented to ensure financial accuracy based on updated revenue projections, including an increase in revenue estimates by $1.3 million in Fund One. Other adjustments were made in Funds Two and Six related to expenditures and construction costs, all of which were approved without opposition.

Further, the board addressed three resolutions related to the upcoming November election. These included an operating levy, a capital projects levy, and the process for filling a school board vacancy. The capital projects levy was updated to include specific language about technology systems related to security, reflecting prior requests from board members. The resolutions passed sequentially, ensuring public awareness of the candidacy filing process through local newspapers, the district’s website, and school buildings.

The board also revised Policy 522 on student sex non-discrimination, reverting to a previous version following a federal court ruling. This policy change was approved unanimously.