[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6081815,"mediaKeyId","2941397-d5f9569d48d1ce9aff7d982bad3d1106","parentId",2941397,"title","Lakeville presents FY26 preliminary budget: $1.8M net revenue change, staffing and benefit cost pressures flagged","audioSeconds",2316,"startMs",7112000,"endMs",9428000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2941397-d5f9569d48d1ce9aff7d982bad3d1106&start=7112&end=9428","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2941397-d5f9569d48d1ce9aff7d982bad3d1106/thumbnail_7112000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6081815/Minnesota/Lakeville-presents-FY26-preliminary-budget-18M-net-revenue-change-staffing-and-benefit-cost-pressures-flagged","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081815-d3177f99319c4eaf44199f689de7e14b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160893&Signature=jzomjOhUfMjDAlV86Y29gHyQCQebOhqe7a7eWUu13qa3S8DXAWzqkiou2ceV1yTdFgkUcdW8bo45aqR9Qs5rJzIWhF-dE3uq3A~XNZjzEl0BFxhfw5naMzj3d8Qwpqs4H4ddTqRLHYgQOZiC6QbZv1PGNHV9OMprI6NnTAfLLoQkMn7DtHi-6ww~p4gusN5E7ANm9L5J5I1gBsoIDPwJH~3gAHawV-BC2zoC2nj4zTJnNVYvPRqiPbBHxL346w4b0Qh4n~Whk8LpzETQX8VNtlIJouIuUxY0qB8r5inV~1GIh3PlHANqMJhrk54j-vDIwAeniuN6MJ3oLH59YK~tQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lakeville Public School District, MN","date","2025-04-09T15:06:28Z","article","Lakeville Area Schools finance officials on April 8 presented a preliminary fiscal year 2026 budget that projects modest revenue growth after a property-tax recalibration, rising personnel costs and several risk items the board and administration are monitoring.

The district's finance presentation said the state formula allowance increase used for planning is 2.74%, generating roughly $2.6 million in additional state aid, and the enrollment projection (about 111 additional ADM) is expected to add roughly $830,000. Offsetting those increases, the district reported a one-time property-tax recalibration reduction of about $2.3 million; board members summarized the net effect as approximately $1.8 million in positive revenue change for FY26 compared with the prior year.

On the expenditure side, district staff projected overall general fund spending to rise about 3.28% for FY26. Salary and wage estimates reflect program growth and step/lane movement; staff said the aggregate salary-related increase included new hires tied to enrollment and program needs. Benefit cost drivers called out during the presentation included a planned TRA employer-rate increase (from 8.75% to 9.5%), Minnesota paid-leave employer contributions (estimated 0.44% and roughly $250,000 in district cost), and a projected 5% increase in health insurance costs (the district estimated it would carry roughly half that amount after employee premium shares).

Special education funding remains a principal pressure point: presenters told the board that already-applied proration of special education reimbursement at about 5% will reduce state aid by roughly $1.5 million for the district, and that the district continues to carry a special-education cross-subsidy estimated at roughly $7 million from the general fund.

Fund balances: Finance staff reported an improving general-fund unassigned balance, projecting an unassigned general-fund balance near $16 million (about 7.4% of general-fund expenditures) by June 30, 2026. The district\u0000\u0000also said its internal insurance (self-funded) reserve is growing and could reach about $8 million by next year; that fund holds health and dental premiums and claims. Staff noted the student-nutrition (fund 2) balance will need to be reduced toward a three-month reserve by FY27 and the building-construction/LTFM plan contemplates borrowing about $21 million next year to smooth levy effects.

District presenters flagged several legislative and fiscal uncertainties that could change the budget, including possible changes to special-education prorate/reimbursement, proposed reductions to special-education transportation reimbursement, and broader state aid formula changes. Board members and staff discussed contingencies for those outcomes and the need to monitor legislation through spring.

Ending: The presentation was a preliminary draft; finance staff said final budget adoption is planned for June and that the district will update numbers as legislative actions and final hiring decisions are known.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting - April 8th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","District finance staff presented a preliminary FY26 budget showing a modest net revenue increase after a property-tax recalibration, projected expenditure growth driven by salaries and benefits, a special-education proration shortfall, and plans to borrow $21 million for facility maintenance.","taxTitle","Lakeville Public School District, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",13453,"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},6081820,"Lakeville presents special education data, cites staffing shortages and $7 million cross-subsidy",4323,2490000,6813000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2941397-d5f9569d48d1ce9aff7d982bad3d1106&start=2490&end=6813","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2941397-d5f9569d48d1ce9aff7d982bad3d1106/thumbnail_2490000.jpg","/articles/6081820/Minnesota/Lakeville-presents-special-education-data-cites-staffing-shortages-and-7-million-cross-subsidy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081820-f10d5fa78a62ec9e2db04d4d9bf9d68c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160893&Signature=byL9CARx6SpsUe6L88U5KurtIjJJ-hBZfR991qxG1V6hfCgG6TQ5BzwYWuYCHnocNyC8dYXfQw6MpDmHZ2~KcI0kkeFgO47tR3UUF1gpOrmJJNgGb82cjBGbId-PIpre6YePRVCLVjw82ysWQbnDmVeepW-Z5dxazaxa0S8ZbZr20DDUH1lq~9RYeT79kzdYOvKPFqbynoFQlTEhVEkRkOh-F~qEQGrnlDPc69nRY1FRdotw3~Yd-mmxHiu7JomOs0zAlsKIgjmcR-UkAxIPtM2OfqdDksJG578KOTCV3Fbr7levw6pNT5961BtvSwoVt8sKsuqFMKiICWyYt0kDkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakeville Area Schools staff on April 8 presented a district-wide overview of special education services, reporting 2,059 students served under IDEA as of the Minnesota Department of Education\u0000\u0000December 1, 2024 child count and outlining program settings, state caseload rules and staffing shortages.

The presentation, given by Michelle Humphrey, Executive Director of Student Services, and Alisa Anderson, Interim Director of Special Services, described age and placement breakdowns the district reported to the state: 70 students (3%) ages birth to 2, 174 students (13%) ages 3\u0000to\u00005, 1,002 students (45%) ages 6\u0000to\u000011, 727 students (35%) ages 12\u0000to\u000017 and 86 students (4%) ages 18\u0000to\u000021. In terms of federal placement settings, the district reported 1,018 students (49%) in federal setting 1 (0\u0000to\u000020% of day outside general education supports), 427 (21%) in setting 2 (21\u0000to\u000060% of day), 332 (16%) in setting 3 (61% or more in a special education classroom) and 38 (2%) in setting 4 (separate school placements).

Presenters identified the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Minnesota statutes and Minnesota Administrative Rule 3525.2340 as the legal framework governing services and caseloads. The district cited specific state caseload limits: a maximum student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1 for infants and toddlers (birth\u0000to\u00002), 16:1 for preschool (3\u0000to\u00005) with additional limits when only one teacher and one paraprofessional are present, a 3:1 cap for students with severe disabilities without a paraprofessional (6:1 with a paraprofessional), a 12:1 cap for mild to moderate cognitive disabilities (up to 15:1 with a paraprofessional), and other rules for different disability categories.

Staffing pressures were central to the report. The district said it relies on tier 1 and tier 2 licenses, out-of-field permissions and contractors to fill vacancies. District representatives said they are using contractors and virtual staff for school psychologists, speech-language pathologists and other related services. Specific shortages mentioned included multiple contractors covering psychology and speech caseloads; the presentation said Lakeville had seven speech-language pathologists listed, four as contractors and three carrying overages. Special education leadership also described paraprofessional qualification efforts, reporting seven paraprofessionals still working toward state-required credentials.

Financial context: presenters said the district spends about $40 million on special education within an approximate $205 million total budget and estimated a special education cross-subsidy of roughly $7 million that must be covered from the general fund. The presenters warned that proposed state changes, including a reimbursement proration already applied at 5%, and possible future reductions in special education transportation reimbursement, would worsen the shortfall.

The district described partnerships and placements: Lakeville works with Intermediate District 917 to provide specialized programs for students with significant needs; the district reported 85 Lakeville students in 9\u000017 programs, including 44 students (ages 18\u0000to\u000021) in transition programming (TESSA) and three in early childhood therapeutic placements, with eight Lakeville students awaiting placement and interim programming provided in the meantime.

Board members asked about staffing, caseloads, program locations, and funding mechanics; presenters said some center-based programs are offered only at select schools because of specialized facility needs and staffing constraints. Directors raised concerns about the alignment of center placements with later feeder patterns and about long-term staffing strategies to reduce reliance on contractors.

Ending: District leaders said they are working to recruit more licensed staff, support paraprofessionals to meet state credentialing requirements, and refine systems for shared data and operational efficiency; they told the board the district is meeting state requirements but is operating with limited resources and elevated demand.","District directors reported Lakeville serves 2,059 students under IDEA (Dec. 1, 2024 child count), described program settings and caseload rules, noted reliance on contractors and out-of-field licenses, and told the board special education requires a roughly $7 million cross-subsidy from the general fund.",{"_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},6081824,"Lakeville school board approves $30,000 settlement and dismissal in Kajun Netal lawsuit",438,568000,1006000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2941397-d5f9569d48d1ce9aff7d982bad3d1106&start=568&end=1006","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2941397-d5f9569d48d1ce9aff7d982bad3d1106/thumbnail_568000.jpg","/articles/6081824/Minnesota/Lakeville-school-board-approves-30000-settlement-and-dismissal-in-Kajun-Netal-lawsuit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081824-ef32dea9416028d98e17fe51be21ecbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160893&Signature=ghqmr4w6AAB8-Ll34TMB8XqZC8ieUeM6SnjB3wUQHpIsrbfTEqqdTMIUwvuG36HUWW6CWQG-n8gst0xMuoBJoB3j~PYgZ8MZo8b-es-yf7QpeBiHwCBtBcvriwYG6m7hPcnlZ3wjz7T~PuO8Ls24KZxH6dFaUD59kI4NXZMAp0SRD9ggfxZgOKdGcs1SXDcwfIdTD7eMVJlUpqbmj74giKWo7arr~Kpft7tAtvI-GBBT2kk371op~LnPfQtUZHjxWK8ncbkJZH3VkTZ6hHuaRim3syJTM3BZykDmQFsPZ5RYX4RGKolQG8CvSP8L12KkXh49p0iot1DC8LGGaUb~9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakeville Area School Board on April 8 approved a settlement in Kajun Netal v. ISD 194 that requires a $30,000 payment covered by the district\u0000\u0000insurance and a court dismissal with prejudice.

Board members debated whether to accept the insurer-backed settlement and dismiss the litigation without an admission of liability. Board member Carly Anderson said she would vote no because she prefers the district to pursue discovery and believed legal counsel had told the board the district was on strong footing. District counsel told the board the agreement broadens the release language, consolidates fee provisions and provides a dismissal with prejudice so the claim cannot be refiled on the same facts.

The motion to approve the settlement was made by Director Paul Carbone and seconded by Director Bridal Nicholson. The chair called the question; the motion was approved by the board. The settlement requires the district to pay $30,000 and includes a stipulation that the parties authorize counsel to file an order of dismissal with prejudice. The agreement states it is intended to resolve a disputed matter and explicitly says it is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing.

Board members clarified the mechanics of the settlement during discussion. Several directors asked whether the settlement created any ongoing obligations for the district beyond the payment and dismissal; district counsel and the superintendent confirmed the agreement required only the payment and the dismissal stipulation. Director Anderson reiterated that the payment would be satisfied from insurance funds and said she opposed the settlement because she preferred additional discovery before dismissing the matter.

The board approved the settlement as listed as consent agenda item 4C and moved on to the next agenda item.

Ending: The board did not adopt any policy changes as part of the settlement and left other consent agenda items intact; the district will file the stipulated order of dismissal and the $30,000 payment will be processed through the insurer as described in the settlement documents.","The Lakeville Area School Board approved a settlement in Kajun Netal v. ISD 194 that requires a $30,000 payment covered by the district\u0000\u0000insurance and a dismissal with prejudice; the agreement does not include an admission of wrongdoing, district counsel said.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lakeville presents FY26 preliminary budget: $1.8M net revenue change, staffing and benefit cost pressures flagged

Lakeville presents special education data, cites staffing shortages and $7 million cross-subsidy

Lakeville school board approves $30,000 settlement and dismissal in Kajun Netal lawsuit