Duluth school board adopts FY26 budget 6-1 after debate over middle‑school music cuts

The Duluth Public Schools board adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget on June 17 by a 6–1 roll call vote after extensive discussion about program reductions, especially cuts to middle‑school music lessons.

Board members said the vote was a reluctant choice made to meet the district’s financial targets while preserving services elsewhere. Member Amber Loeffler Kemp, who voted yes, said she supported the budget but did so “with a lot of reservation,” and urged the board and administration to restore music teachers as soon as possible.

The budget followed a months‑long process that the administration described as a “substantial course correction” to respond to funding pressures. Superintendent Magus told the board the district and staff had worked through many options and that the administration aimed to be “responsible fiscal stewards” while searching for further efficiencies.

Member Jessica Williams said she could not support the budget as presented. “I cannot vote to approve the budget as it's written,” Williams said during debate, citing the decision to reduce middle‑school music instruction. Member Kevin Sadowski said he would also vote for adoption but described his vote as “not a happy vote,” and confirmed he would continue to advocate for restoring music lessons.

The motion to adopt the FY26 budget (Resolution B‑6‑25‑4102) was moved by Member Banks and seconded by Member Lofeld. The board recorded the roll call as: Banks — yes; Chair Derek Eider — yes; Amber Loeffler Kemp — yes; Lofeld — yes; Mike Sell — yes; Sadowski — yes; Williams — no. The chair announced, “The vote is 6 to 1 in favor of adopting the budget.”

Board discussion repeatedly returned to the equity and student‑support implications of cutting music instruction. Loeffler Kemp read emails from families and said that “music was a path to inclusion for their student.” Several members asked the administration for a follow‑up plan to explore options for reinstating instruction.

Superintendent Magus and finance staff summarized state legislative and funding changes that influenced the budget outlook, noting reduced state funding in some programs and changes to compensatory and student‑support aid. Magus also thanked the board and staff for their work and said the administration would look for ways to improve the budget process going forward.

Next steps: the board adopted the FY26 budget, and the administration will implement the approved spending plan while continuing to analyze options to address the music reductions. Several board members said they would raise the issue again and examine possible restorations during the coming year.