Anoka‑Hennepin board adopts midyear budget adjustment, approves nonrenewal resolutions

The Anoka‑Hennepin Public School District School Board on March 24 approved a midyear amendment to its fiscal year 2025 budget and adopted three resolutions to nonrenew select probationary contracts for teachers and principals.

The board voted 4–2 to approve the amended FY25 budget after a second reading and public presentation of the midyear adjustments. The same meeting recorded unanimous roll-call votes (6–0) adopting three separate resolutions to nonrenew contracts listed in appendices J, K and L of the board packet.

Why it matters: The midyear budget amendment increases the district's revenue projection by about $20.2 million and increases proposed expenditures by about $15.7 million, largely in the general fund. District staff said the adjustments reflect updated pupil unit counts, final state aid figures, and higher special education reimbursement and contracted-services costs; the revision leaves the district's projected ending general fund balance at about $146 million and increases the unassigned balance to roughly 10.8% of the fund.

Budget details and votes: Michelle Vargas, chief financial officer, presented the second reading of the midyear amendment and described the major drivers: a roughly $9 million state aid increase, an $8.7 million increase tied to special education reimbursement, and other categorical and enrollment-driven adjustments. Vargas told the board the revenue increase represents roughly a 2.8% upward revision and expenditures a 2.1% increase overall; she called out an accounting transfer related to English‑learner cross‑subsidy reporting that increases both revenue and expenditures but does not change the fund balance.

Board discussion focused on fiscal priorities and program funding. Directors Audette and Hochman spoke explicitly that they would vote against the amended budget, citing programmatic concerns and the risk to federal funding mentioned by Director Audette; Director Arco and others supported passing the amendment to preserve budget stability. Director Langenfeld moved to approve the amended budget; Director Simon seconded. The recorded outcome was 4 in favor and 2 opposed; the board chair announced the amendment carried.

Personnel resolutions: Doctor Jennifer Cherry, executive director of human resources, presented three resolutions listing personnel recommended for nonrenewal: 194 probationary teachers (appendix J), 82 teachers on tier 1 or tier 2 licenses (appendix K), and three probationary principals/assistant principals (appendix L). Each resolution was presented as a routine annual staffing reconciliation that can reflect shifts in enrollment, fiscal constraints, or other appropriate reasons.

On each of the three personnel resolutions the clerk called the roll and each named board member voted "aye." The board announced each resolution was adopted with 6 in favor and 0 opposed.

Other formal actions: The consent agenda and the meeting agenda were approved earlier in the evening by unanimous voice votes. The clerk recorded roll-call votes only for the personnel resolutions; the budget vote was taken by voice with a counted result reported by the chair.

What the district said next: Vargas and district administrators noted further state budget activity and legislative developments remain uncertain; the board and administration identified additional budget work ahead as the legislature finalizes state funding.

Ending: The board adopted the items in appendices J, K, L and the amended budget and continued other business and public discussion later in the meeting.