Marshall board approves contingency budget cuts and preliminary levy ahead of operating referendum

The Marshall Public Schools Board voted to approve a resolution that outlines proposed budget reductions to balance district finances if an upcoming operating referendum is unsuccessful. Board materials and the motion described a minimum of $1,900,000 in cuts that would be presented for final adoption no later than Feb. 2 if the referendum fails.

Superintendent Jeremy Williams told the board the resolution follows a cuts list the board discussed at a prior meeting and reiterated that the reductions “are not things we want to do,” but that the district cannot operate indefinitely from reserves. Williams said, “If the referendum passes, these cuts would not happen.” The resolution was approved by voice vote; a roll-call tally was not specified in the meeting record.

At the same meeting the board also approved the certificate of preliminary levy, an annual procedural step in the property-tax levy calendar. Board members moved and seconded the levy certificate in the routine motion; the item passed.

Board members discussed timing and next steps. The presentation materials said that, if the referendum is unsuccessful in the fall, the district would present final recommended cuts by Feb. 2 and move forward on required actions. The board did not adopt specific line-item cuts at the meeting; the resolution establishes the contingency plan and the process for presenting final recommendations.

The board approved the resolution and the levy certificate during the same session; both motions passed without recorded roll-call tallies in the public record.