Chisago Lakes board hears FY26 budget presentation, approves contracts and routine items

The Chisago Lakes School District Board of Education on Monday heard a presentation on the district—s proposed fiscal 2026 budget, received enrollment and audit updates from staff and approved a set of routine items including donations, collective bargaining agreements and a pass‑through levy for the region—s long‑term facility maintenance program.

Director of business services Robin (last name not specified in the record) presented financial assumptions and multi‑fund projections the district used to build the FY26 preliminary budget. Staff are using a projected student enrollment of about 3,200 for the coming year; Robin said audits will begin in September and much preparatory work will occur over the summer.

Robin told the board the district expects general‑fund revenue of about $47.9 million and general‑fund expenditures of about $48.9 million under the current assumptions, producing planned deficit spending in restricted categories while holding the unassigned general‑fund balance roughly steady. The presentation noted the district—s unassigned general‑fund balance was about 6.6% as of June 30, 2024, and under current projections would be roughly 6.5% by the end of fiscal 2026. The district policy target is 7%–10% of general‑fund expenditures.

Robin said salaries and benefits represent the largest share of general‑fund spending (about 72%), state formula aid accounts for the bulk of revenue (about 80% of general‑fund revenue), and property tax levy…