Superintendent warns of uncertain state funding and flat enrollment, urges monitoring

The superintendent briefed the board on state budget targets and enrollment trends, noting differing proposals from the governor, Senate and House and raising concerns about possible revenue losses tied to state changes and enrollment trends.

The superintendent said the governor's budget target includes proposed education cuts of $240 million in the 2026–27 biennium and $445 million in 2028–29. She said the Senate target holds education funding flat in 2026–27 and reduces funding by $687 million in 2028–29, while the House target includes a $40 million directed increase for the 2026–27 biennium and holds funding flat in 2028–29.

The superintendent told the board that recent policy changes and some unfunded mandates increase costs for districts and that many neighboring districts are already planning staff reductions. She said Spring Lake Park has so far avoided cuts through enrollment growth and proactive planning, but enrollment has flattened and the district is preparing for the possibility of reduced revenue. "We are planning for a loss, a significant loss in revenue, as a result of connected to the free lunch program," the superintendent said, noting district staff have worked to keep families' free-and-reduced lunch forms current to mitigate impacts.

The superintendent said the district will "keep a close eye on what is happening in Saint Paul" and stressed that board and staff decisions should position the district for an uncertain funding future. Board members responded with questions and continued the meeting into other agenda items.

No formal board action was taken on the superintendent's report; it was provided for information and situational awareness.