Board approves contributions, accepts audit, adopts resolution to study cuts; closes Highland 3rd grade to open enrollment

Columbia Heights Public Schools’ board took multiple formal actions at its Jan. 14 meeting, approving donations, accepting the district audit for fiscal year 2024, adopting a resolution directing administrators to prepare recommendations for program and position reductions, and adjusting open‑enrollment status in two elementary schools.

Donations and acknowledgement: The board adopted a resolution accepting monetary and in‑kind donations totaling $1,277.50 for the items listed in the board background and acknowledging larger fiscal‑year‑to‑date contributions of $56,753.14. The resolution cites Minnesota Statute 123B.02 as the authority permitting districts to accept gifts. Monetary donations listed in the packet included a $478.45 Lifetouch/Shutterfly commission to North Park, $95.80 from BoxTop to North Park, $50 from Kristen Dunkel to early childhood programs, $50 from Corinne Linderman, and $100 from Zach Garman to North Park for Innovation. Corporate and in‑kind donations included $250 from Windjammers Corporation to support Columbia Heights High School girls’ basketball; a $144.50 donation from Chipotle for ECFE; coats, scarves, books, and art supplies valued at amounts listed in the packet. The board approved the resolution by roll call (Poole, Smith, Medeiros, Pettway, Palmer and Granlund all voted Aye).

Audit acceptance: The board accepted the district’s audited comprehensive financial report for fiscal year 2024, presented previously by auditor MMKR and summarized at the Dec. 10 meeting. Director Henneken noted the audit presentation and that the full report is posted to the district website. The board approved acceptance by voice vote (“Aye”); no roll call tally was recorded in the transcript.

Resolution to consider discontinuance of positions and programs: The board passed a resolution directing the superintendent and administration to consider discontinuing positions and/or programs and to make recommendations to balance the district budget. The resolution cites multiple fiscal pressures: an uncertain compensatory aid funding stream with a potential reduction the administration estimated could be approximately $5,000,000; a special‑education cross‑subsidy deficit of over $3,500,000; an English‑learner cross‑subsidy of approximately $150,000; and voter‑approved levy revenue that remains below metro averages. The resolution directs the administration to present recommended reductions, curtailments, and placement decisions and to follow statutory processes if licensed staff are placed on unrequested leave. The board approved the resolution by roll call (all members present voted Aye).

Open‑enrollment adjustments: Superintendent Stenbeck asked the board to close Highland Elementary 3rd grade to open enrollment for the remainder of the school year (or until classroom capacity changes) and to reopen Valley View to open enrollment across grades given recent enrollment shifts. The board approved closing Highland’s 3rd grade to open enrollment and reopened Valley View by voice vote; board practice gives the district assignment rights for open‑enrolled students and staff said placement center staff maintain assignment records and may contact families when space becomes available.

Process and next steps: For the discontinuance/resolution item, administration described the multi‑step process that typically follows a board directive like this: principals and directors will examine staffing and program efficiencies, enrollment projections will be updated, and administrators will notify affected staff as required by contract and statute. Superintendent Stenbeck said the timeline is intended to allow time to place incumbents where possible, provide notice and, if needed, hold required hearings for unrequested leaves of absence.

Why it matters: The votes together reflect routine district business (accepting donations and the audited financial report) and a higher‑stakes budget signal: the board directed administrators to prepare options to reduce expenditures if revenues fall short. The discontinuance resolution is the formal step needed to start a year‑long personnel and program review process under state and contractual rules.