MMSD board debates 17% fund‑balance target, reviews procurement, travel and school‑closing policies

MMSD Board of Education members discussed proposed changes to several board policies, including a recommendation from staff and the district—s independent auditor to set the unassigned fund balance target at 17 percent.

The board heard the second review of Policy 3031 (school closing/inclement weather), Policy 06/1971 (district fund balance), procurement and bid thresholds (policies 6242/6244), and a travel-reimbursement update. No final votes on those policies were taken; the policies will return for action at a regular board meeting on Monday, Feb. 24.

The nut of the discussion was fund balance. "The recommendation of 17%...their recommendation is is to increase that," Bob, a district finance staff member, told the board, citing WIPFLI—s audit recommendation and the district—s current 2024-25 budgeted position. Bob said the district—s 2024-25 budget is currently projected around a 17% unassigned fund balance and that the recommended change would move the policy from a 10–15% range to a single-number minimum.

Board members split over whether a single-number minimum or a range would be better. Board Member Ali Motro said she…