Cannon Falls board approves $563,000 in proposed cuts and revenue increases after hourlong discussion

The Cannon Falls School Board approved a package of proposed fiscal-year-2026 budget reductions and revenue increases after an extended discussion about program impacts and next steps. Administrators presented a list of proposed cuts and revenue changes totaling about $563,000; the finance committee had earlier requested $535,000 in reductions to balance the budget.

John Borfest, a district administrator who presented the plan, told the board the list was developed with campus leaders and the finance committee. “At, an earlier meeting, the board, asked me and the administrators to come back with a list of $535,000, worth of cuts per the recommendation from the finance committee earlier to create a balanced budget for the next fiscal year,” he said. Borfest said the final list exceeds that target to allow flexibility during implementation.

Why it matters: administrators said most of the district—s controllable costs are staffing (roughly three-quarters of the budget) and that any future revenue from an operating levy would not be available until at least a year after a vote. District leaders warned that if a levy fails, deeper cuts would be required.

Major items in the package: the administration presented detailed line items and estimated savings, including: - Curriculum purchase timing: moving a k–5 reading series purchase (quoted at about $164,000) across two fiscal years to lessen the near-term impact. - Reductions to staffing: elimination of several section assignments, one elementary third-grade teacher because projected third-grade enrollment (about 66 students) is expected to support three sections (~22 students per class), reductions of some secondary assignments and a proposed change to the k–12 assistant principal role into a k–12 dean of students (the dean would not have staff-supervision or suspension authority). - Activities and programs: increased activity fees (from $1.25 to $1.85 per activity), elimination of several stipends/programs (junior-high paid score book and scoreboard workers, two junior-high assistant football coaches, a cross-country assistant coach, the cheerleading program, a BPA advisor and a band/choir concert stipend), and adjustments to adult and family facility fees. - Transportation and targeted services: elimination of Bomber Academy transportation (administrators estimated about 22 students use that service) and a plan to eliminate one regular bus route by consolidating routes (estimated savings $29,007.57). The administration also proposed an opt-in/opt-out sign-up for bus service next fall to better measure need before reducing routes. - Other line items: a $9,000 reduction in some technology subscriptions, a $10,000 reduction to marketing, shifting huddle package expenses to a fundraising fund, and modest thermostat setpoint adjustments estimated to save about $9,500.

Public comment and board questions shaped the discussion. Dan, a resident who spoke during public input, urged the board to retain at least one junior-high assistant football coach, saying, “Maintaining at least 1 assistant coach would allow us to have a total of 3 coaches at that level, which is far more effective both for practices and games.”

Resident Dawn Lane asked for clearer and more consistent public posting of committee agendas and minutes, and asked when a recent student survey and planned language-arts review would be shared. Administrators acknowledged some committee schedules vary and confirmed agendas are posted at least three days in advance; they said results from the student survey and curriculum review timing would be communicated as available.

Board members and staff discussed implementation details. Administrators said the district will notify families this summer about any bus-route changes, and that Allison (transportation coordinator) will contact affected families once routes are finalized. On activity-fee increases, administrators said financial-assistance options already exist for families in need and would continue.

Formal action: after discussion and competing motions, the board voted to approve the proposed reductions and revenue increases as printed. Board members discussed tabling the item until the next meeting but ultimately approved the administrators— recommendation. The motion carried.

What happens next: administrators said the approved list provides a planning baseline; final personnel actions and specific schedule changes will be set at later meetings after administrators map class schedules, confirm which staff positions are affected and notify impacted families and employees. The board also discussed possibly pursuing an operating levy in the coming year; officials noted levy revenue would not be available in time to prevent the immediate cuts.

Ending: board members adjourned into closed session after the vote. The board—s next regular meeting was announced for Feb. 24.