Farmington board approves initial 2025–26 budget realignment, including program reductions and fee increases

The Farmington School Board on a voice vote approved an initial set of budget reductions and revenue increases aimed at closing a projected shortfall in the 2025–26 budget. The board’s action includes recommended program reductions (including ending the district’s current partnership for the health-care pathway known as MCAPS/MedCAPS with Prior Lake for certain years, suspending some outside tuition-paid CTE offerings, and cutting cosmetology tuition placements), a proposal to move middle schools from a block schedule to a six-period day, and a package of fee increases for activities and athletics.

The vote came after prolonged public comment and an extended presentation by district staff outlining the recommendations and projected savings. Board member Storley made the motion to approve the initial recommendations; Chair Christiansen seconded it, and the motion passed by voice vote with no opposition recorded.

District officials said the reductions and revenue measures together represent about $2.1 million of the roughly $4.4 million the administration had been working to realign; the board and finance committee will continue work on additional changes…