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Edina board briefs community on operating‑referendum renewal window; approves preliminary FY2026 budget
Summary
Finance staff described a state law change allowing boards to renew an operating referendum without a public vote and outlined the district’s renewal window; the board approved a preliminary FY2026 budget projecting $167.6 million in general‑fund revenue and an 8.9% unassigned fund balance.
The Edina Public Schools Board of Education on Monday heard a presentation on the district’s operating‑referendum authority and then approved the administration’s preliminary budget for fiscal year 2026.
Why it matters: The operating referendum provides a substantial portion of local operating revenue. Under 2023 state legislation described by Finance Director Mert Woodard, boards may renew an existing operating referendum in the same amount and duration without a voter referendum during a limited window. The district’s current referendum generates roughly $21.5 million annually and is a major funding source for staffing and operations.
Operating referendum: Finance Director Mert Woodard told the board the district’s operating referendum was approved by voters in 2017 and is set…
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