[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6365249,"mediaKeyId","2160261-8b2556214506a4cb5e122778c56d41ad","parentId",2160261,"title","Farmington board approves initial 2025–26 budget realignment, including program reductions and fee increases","audioSeconds",1363,"startMs",5014000,"endMs",6377000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2160261-8b2556214506a4cb5e122778c56d41ad&start=5014&end=6377","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2160261-8b2556214506a4cb5e122778c56d41ad/thumbnail_5014000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6365249/Minnesota/Farmington-board-approves-initial-202526-budget-realignment-including-program-reductions-and-fee-increases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6365249-c8439101c0f21af100116a9cc64062a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770581566&Signature=Kwt6mMJiUpVrJ4P-a0oMu-qurfR0avch5HdsJP2BW~EmXb-PjTXb2kRsfKajkfHUvGwqJbtdJ9Zn63APDsq60JuiB7KrYArtq~y5DC0ZgRSpIlK9m2BoOSYAjF2Ko7Rm5P7Ciagq7ZloXJ0eYMxdS3UcoaNlOHVE3e6yiOID1Kw1NLayH5xekiLftF8xoOuCPo055sdabVfedLP0BapmUS8cyXui9Xtd-j8YXwAfE1ja1uJgvxOqc58mv6vS2lCrS~3kkaZWjMm~ZK9SSS1Zg1tlUE~GGUYNzyHnXoZua5H9M6DsmOZUhFd-jb5IZGloz~u6ZFQ-Ejh~cx6NHNEKrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Farmington Area Public Schools","date","2025-01-29T16:41:48.893Z","article","The Farmington School Board on a voice vote approved an initial set of budget reductions and revenue increases aimed at closing a projected shortfall in the 2025–26 budget. The board’s action includes recommended program reductions (including ending the district’s current partnership for the health-care pathway known as MCAPS/MedCAPS with Prior Lake for certain years, suspending some outside tuition-paid CTE offerings, and cutting cosmetology tuition placements), a proposal to move middle schools from a block schedule to a six-period day, and a package of fee increases for activities and athletics.

The vote came after prolonged public comment and an extended presentation by district staff outlining the recommendations and projected savings. Board member Storley made the motion to approve the initial recommendations; Chair Christiansen seconded it, and the motion passed by voice vote with no opposition recorded.

District officials said the reductions and revenue measures together represent about $2.1 million of the roughly $4.4 million the administration had been working to realign; the board and finance committee will continue work on additional changes in February. Superintendent and finance staff emphasized that the initial package is a first phase of a larger realignment effort.

Why the board acted now

District leaders said timing was driven in part by registration timelines and the desire to give staff and families information sooner rather than later. The administration also said it is actively pursuing replacement options for some programs recommended for reduction, but those efforts were not complete at the time of the vote.

Key elements described by the administration

- Proposed program reductions: cessation of the district’s current MCAPS/MedCAPS partnership placement in certain years while pursuing locally hosted alternatives; reductions to some off-site CTE (career and technical education) tuition arrangements; and discontinuation of cosmetology placements through an outside vendor. District staff told the board these programs require ongoing tuition payments to outside providers and that operating locally could be an alternative but would carry one-time startup costs.

- Middle-school schedule change: convert from an 80-minute block schedule to a six-period day with approximately 50–55 minute instructional periods, retain advisory time, and adjust exploratory offerings into trimester formats. Administration said the change is intended to maintain overall instructional minutes while reducing staff time embedded in the current block structure.

- Revenue adjustments: increases to select activity and athletic fees (the board was informed the athletics/activity fee adjustment is roughly $100 on top of current fees, bringing some fees close to comparators), and an expansion of the district pay-for-ride option for families in walking zones that choose bus seats if available.

Board discussion and next steps

Board members and administration repeatedly stressed this is phase one and that additional changes and details will be developed by the finance committee and returned to the full board for further decisions in February. Administrators said they will continue work to identify local or partner solutions to maintain student pathways where feasible and to provide more detail on implementation timelines.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of the agenda: Motion by Gorman, second by Johnson; voice vote, approved.
- Consent agenda approval: Motion by Gorman, second by De Wilde; voice vote, approved.
- Acknowledgment/acceptance of informational items (including community education report): Motion by Johnson, second by Gorman; voice vote, approved.
- Adoption of policies 713 (student activity accounting), 714 (fund balances), 722 (public data request): Motion by DeWitt, second by Johnson; voice vote, approved.
- Approval of initial recommended 2025–26 budget reductions and revenue increases: Motion by Storley, second by Christiansen; voice vote, approved.
- Motion to move to closed session: Motion by Sorrelli, second by Gorman; voice vote, approved.

Implementation and communications

Administrators said further public meetings and work sessions are planned, including a community budget listening session Feb. 5 and board work session and listening session on Feb. 10. The finance committee will present a follow-up package of options in mid-to-late February, district staff said.

Ending

Board members repeatedly invited continued public feedback and urged stakeholders to engage with the legislative process and potential future revenue proposals, saying district-level realignment alone may not resolve longer-term funding pressures.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting - Jan 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Farmington School Board on a voice vote approved an initial set of recommended budget reductions and revenue increases for the 2025–26 fiscal year, including the recommended cessation of some outside tuition-paid CTE placements and a proposed shift from block scheduling to a six-period middle-school day.","taxTitle","FARMINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",38599,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6365236,"Community Education annual report: enrollment shifts, Kid Connection waiting lists down, screening rates improve",1782,3217000,4999000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2160261-8b2556214506a4cb5e122778c56d41ad&start=3217&end=4999","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2160261-8b2556214506a4cb5e122778c56d41ad/thumbnail_3217000.jpg","/articles/6365236/Minnesota/Community-Education-annual-report-enrollment-shifts-Kid-Connection-waiting-lists-down-screening-rates-improve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6365236-8907c918ac4fd3716254185a86cd400b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770581566&Signature=XFw-L5kzz32kHKYwHaI60yCQIbvpe1nMnfGwZVmf3~W9j-BI~N4ldzFut2v5LNAubbqvYWvcTUmzgeGVZazL59lt57MUXk8YZ-8wXsqJG8Sf0jawOabvOzqtN~LGxryAJdMW~8LcDvcPj~-K1OonXIgUoBUcArXodwyUXB2l~3aXuS~Zilkew~DG3iPXl0TvoJFpIYz8V6kDw3Rxj-0vUJuj2NgQs0B2yzkk9zT2ITSpHsq0ZzoYkFxUlWl8CSc91bOdSUiGEfTwASu2r7-AR0z2xfL7cjqF8BQCvqR-0VB8WWqZg~hePMnJHYfbz09IVXLuzv~yHTZelVY-aidrQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Farmington School Board received an annual report from the district’s Community Education director summarizing enrollment and financial trends for the fiscal year ending June 30 (prior year). Bri Astiff presented program-by-program data, explained enrollment shifts since the COVID period, and described a restored fund balance in community education programs.

Highlights and data presented

- Kid Connection: Enrollment increased after the district hired more staff; the current waiting list is small (the director reported roughly 10 or fewer, school-dependent).

- Early Childhood and Screening: Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) enrollment rose in part because the state changed how one-time events are counted; the district reported improved screening rates for 3-year-olds and near-complete screening for kindergarten entrants.

- Tiger Preschool and Stepping Stones: Preschool enrollment held steady after COVID-era declines; Astiff said rising staff costs and parent price sensitivity are constraining program growth at younger ages.

- Youth enrichment, aquatics, adult education: Enrollment varied by program; theater offerings and partnerships with local coaches affected year-to-year swings. Aquatics and swim lessons are constrained by pool availability and lifeguard staffing.

- Finances and fund balance: Community Education’s fund balance has recovered and was reported at about 12% of its budget after earlier COVID-era drawdowns; Astiff said fund balances are intended for one-time projects and must be managed accordingly. Staff and board clarified that Community Education operates in a separate fund from the district’s general operating fund and that fund balances are legally constrained.

Board questions and next steps

Board members asked about waiting lists for Kid Connection and swim lessons, staffing constraints, and market comparisons for preschool pricing; Astiff said Kid Connection waiting lists are small, swim lessons have large waits tied to pool time and staffing, and preschool pricing is in line with comparable providers when combined with full-day wrap needs. The board and director discussed plans to expand events, hire marketing and events staff, and refine adult-enrichment offerings.

Ending

Board members thanked Astiff for the report and noted the program’s role in the community; the board accepted the informational item by motion later in the meeting.","District community education director presented the annual report covering the fiscal year ending June 30, data on early childhood programs, Kid Connection, adult enrichment and aquatics. Enrollment trends showed program-specific increases and declines and the fund balance had recovered after COVID-era deficits.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6365240,"35 Farmington students ask board to fund finishing year two of MCAPS healthcare pathway after proposed cut",3650,1958000,5608000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2160261-8b2556214506a4cb5e122778c56d41ad&start=1958&end=5608","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2160261-8b2556214506a4cb5e122778c56d41ad/thumbnail_1958000.jpg","/articles/6365240/Minnesota/35-Farmington-students-ask-board-to-fund-finishing-year-two-of-MCAPS-healthcare-pathway-after-proposed-cut","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6365240-281917b171a7d95c48a430381f142a42/orig.mp4?Expires=1770581566&Signature=W9LLb3rLCRAKLnqJW~TKvOXG~zHYyk4Qdqpw68o22WJSQQHawrMAU0Stf4mTadFox91HTBid93JNkpKODoTW9L4d1JzPywAw6RWhkRhfJtoeVCMcnl0QBs9g3BcKIn6ubfbeVUUXU9GK5Zy-5qTaTDRZxC5BADju7QJF9CV-jJ0UPdCCuTmvVUsVP99S7LMLTrRTvPgLFKe3Q82iDMpfIobsa~HbIfDr01uzq5DJZlKUlI3JqMgkrdOpJZKdITz~mRGWkQeQlsJ~0Dz-3CwcKBEd5WhCdBV1~NympD5kGovr0woka7h8g8OCA6rfcSi8GKCsWsVEo9Wq-3tBFfIk8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A group of 35 Farmington students enrolled in year‑one of the district’s MCAPS (MedCAPS/health-care) pathway appealed to the Farmington School Board to fund and preserve their promised second year after the administration recommended ceasing the district’s current placement partnership for certain MCAPS offerings.

Lily Brunning, a student participant, said the second year of the program provides training to earn a CNA certification and essential clinical hours; she and classmate McKenna Underwood said MCAPS cannot be replicated locally for fall 2025 without significant time and capital investment. McKenna said the Prior Lake program had confirmed it could accept all 35 students into its year-two cohort if Farmington secures funding and transportation.

Parents and staff urged the board to use the district’s unassigned fund balance or some other one-time funding source to allow the cohort to finish the two‑year sequence. Ginny Running, a lifelong special-education teacher and parent, told the board that MCAPS requires specialized lab space and credentialed instructors that the district does not now have in place.

District response and status

Administrators told the board they were pursuing multiple pathways to restore on-site year-two capacity for the healthcare pathway over time and that outreach with local health systems and partners continued. The administration said it had been actively pursuing replacement options and partnerships but that no immediate replacement was ready for fall 2025; they described Principal Meyer and others working “aggressively” on solutions.

The board approved the initial budget realignment that included a recommendation to cease the current MCAPS placement model; administrators said the district would continue to pursue replacement options and would return with more information as they develop plans and costs.

Ending

Students and parents asked for timely follow-up; the administration and board said they would report additional details as negotiations and planning continue.","Year-1 students in the district's health-care pathway told the board they should be allowed to finish year two at Prior Lake after the district recommended ending the partnership; students and parents asked the board to use unassigned fund balance or other one-time funding to preserve the promised second year.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6365244,"Parents, students and teachers urge Farmington board to keep 5th-grade band and protect music program",1394,156000,1550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2160261-8b2556214506a4cb5e122778c56d41ad&start=156&end=1550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2160261-8b2556214506a4cb5e122778c56d41ad/thumbnail_156000.jpg","/articles/6365244/Minnesota/Parents-students-and-teachers-urge-Farmington-board-to-keep-5th-grade-band-and-protect-music-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6365244-6eb33453611f1b2430e5bffd18fdad19/orig.mp4?Expires=1770581566&Signature=af3DKgW~TLfju8T2WkKt8MB1MQHtRSLqQO3h9FyPPwkDkgNlABl69cF8ptW8faf3lMzTpTjrB2uCNoJ6phP6dW-Sm~D-16N-YBFNes4Nimk8-uy8HVu65I6mfKrIvAd6o~uxqeEdJyBSeflAd2SSBNkKc55da311LFfzV5ojypDJpPSdT8MMm9KK1fMj26qAPTFnr1H7Wa5uGgt7Gb~VjlWOml-6WVEN4Bo1s0q5aGDw9eDVxmCVKB-2zrJj5BjTodC5qd1hk951QQ40U6KvPwtn7LYyJndr3nR2WQJlbS4TqEpUpWTjZdH8Rn0SQZ6CArngsPwXNzQVnRb2UZOiAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of parents, students and teachers urged the Farmington School Board to preserve the district’s fifth-grade band program and to rescind any recommendation that would eliminate grade-5 beginner band. Speakers said early-start music instruction builds social connection, leadership, academic skills and long-term program pipeline, and they presented data and a district-commissioned consultant summary to the board.

In public comments the speakers included elementary and secondary teachers, parents and current high-school students who credited early band with social-emotional benefits and long-term engagement in school. Crystal Ludgate, a 20-year Farmington resident and parent, described music as “one of the deepest ways we connect,” and said a proposed cut to 5th-grade band would damage recruitment and the entire music pipeline. High-school students including Mallory Ludgate and members of the wind ensemble described outreach to elementary students and said early-start band was the reason many of them continued into high-school ensembles.

Consultant findings and board timeline

A community-organized group led by parents and music boosters engaged a national consultant to analyze the music program. Jeremy Mann summarized the consultant’s forthcoming report, which the board was told would be delivered on Friday. Mann said the report documents participation, staffing and economic considerations, and he said the report concludes the elimination of grade-5 band would have “a devastating impact” on the program.

Mann told the board the consultant’s analysis found that, across grades 5–12, about 51% of students participate in band or choir; specifically, of 471 grade-5 students, 62% are currently in band. The presentation estimated that eliminating grade-5 band would reduce participation in grades 6–12 by about 65% and cited high student-to-teacher ratios in music: the report summary cited roughly 7.3 FTE band staff for about 1,342 band students (approximately 184 pupils per music teacher).

Requests from advocates

Speakers asked the board to take four actions: form a music task force to study and recommend music-program actions; review the consultant report as part of any scheduling or restructuring decisions; actively involve music faculty in scheduling and program decisions; and rescind the district recommendation to eliminate the grade-5 band curriculum.

Board and administration response

Administrators acknowledged the group’s work and said the district had convened a consultant and would deliver the consultant’s written report to the board. Board members repeatedly thanked speakers for coming and said the full budget and schedule discussion would continue at upcoming finance committee and board meetings in February.

Ending

Speakers and attendees left materials and photos with the board and asked for follow-up; advocates urged continuing public engagement and said they would attend the district’s upcoming budget listening sessions.

","Dozens of parents, students and music advocates urged the Farmington School Board to rescind a recommendation to eliminate fifth-grade band and to preserve the district’s music offerings, citing social and academic benefits and presenting a consultant report due to the board.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Farmington board approves initial 2025–26 budget realignment, including program reductions and fee increases

Community Education annual report: enrollment shifts, Kid Connection waiting lists down, screening rates improve

35 Farmington students ask board to fund finishing year two of MCAPS healthcare pathway after proposed cut

Parents, students and teachers urge Farmington board to keep 5th-grade band and protect music program