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Stillwater board authorizes administration to prepare budget reductions pending state aid decisions
Summary
The Stillwater Area Public Schools board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing district administration to develop budget-reduction options while awaiting final state funding decisions, the board heard superintendent updates on possible cuts to Q-Comp and transportation aid.
The Stillwater Area Public Schools Board on Tuesday unanimously authorized district administration to prepare and present potential budget reductions as the legislature weighs changes that could reduce state aid.
Board Chair Sherman said the resolution gives administration authority to plan for different revenue scenarios while awaiting final legislative numbers. “Every year since I’ve been a superintendent we pass a resolution similar to this,” Superintendent Funk told the board, describing the action as a procedural step so the district can respond quickly if the Legislature reduces funding.
Nut graf: The board took the step as a precaution while the state budget process continues. Superintendent Funk told trustees the move is intended to allow the district to present balanced-budget options and potential reductions — including staffing changes if necessary — once state aid figures are finalized.
Funk outlined two specific state proposals that could affect the district’s budget: elimination of Q-Comp funding and a reduction in special-education transportation reimbursement. “If Q-Comp were to go away, that levy component would also likely go away,” Funk said, noting the state currently covers about two-thirds of Q-Comp costs and the district levies the remainder. He said the governor’s proposal also would reduce the percent reimbursement for special-education transportation and would eliminate state aid for transporting nonpublic students.
Board members pressed for clarification on the scope of authority in the resolution. Director Lauer asked whether the resolution’s authorization included working toward a desired fund-balance target; Funk and board members noted the resolution authorizes balancing the budget, while the board’s fund-balance policy still sets a target (5 percent) the district would strive to maintain.
The motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded during the meeting; the board then conducted a roll-call vote. Directors recorded in the meeting’s roll call voted yes and the resolution passed unanimously.
Chair Sherman said the board will discuss transportation and Q-Comp impacts at the district’s legislative breakfast scheduled for Jan. 31.
Ending: The board did not adopt specific spending cuts Tuesday. The resolution gives district administrators authority to develop and return with reduction proposals for board review if state funding shifts materially when the Legislature finalizes the budget.
