Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the District Budget Cuts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Red Wing board approves budget reductions, agrees to use up to $1 million from fund balance
Summary
After several hours of discussion about enrollment, class sizes and program cuts, the Red Wing Public School District board approved a package of reductions and allowed up to $1 million from fund balance to cover the remainder of a projected deficit, while directing staff to prioritize retaining two Burnside elementary teaching positions.
The Red Wing Public School District board voted to approve a set of staff and program reductions to address an approximately $1.7 million projected deficit, and authorized using up to $1,000,000 from the district's fund balance to balance the fiscal 2026 budget.
Board members debated cuts proposed across all sites, including reductions in licensed teaching positions and support staff, and increases to elementary class sizes if the cuts were adopted. After discussion and an amendment to retain two licensed positions at Burnside Elementary, the motion passed by voice vote.
Board members and administrators said they had asked building principals to propose reductions and then reviewed those recommendations centrally. Superintendent Bob Joshick summarized district'level and building-level proposals, saying the draft reductions totaled roughly $872,000 in identified savings from staff and service changes but would still leave a remaining gap that finance staff proposed covering from fund balance.
Board members expressed particular concern about the effect of larger class sizes at the early grades. Several trustees noted research and local assessment data showing large benefits from smaller classes in kindergarten through third grade, especially for students with individualized education programs (IEPs) or who need early reading interventions. Trustee Jim Bryant moved the amendment to keep the two Burnside FTEs; the motion to approve the package as amended and to use up to $1,000,000 from fund balance passed after discussion.
The board's action preserves the district's ability to call staff back if budget conditions change before the new school year. Administrators said they would look for additional reductions or turnover-based savings that could reduce reliance on fund balance and would return to the board with updates.
Votes at a glance: - Motion approving the proposed reductions as amended and authorizing up to $1,000,000 from the fund balance: motion by Jim Bryant; seconded by Theresa (last name not specified in transcript); outcome: approved (voice vote). - Consent agenda (routine items): motion by Rachel Schoenfeldt; second by Tift; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Acceptance of donations and grants: motion by Nick Schoenfeldt; second by Mr. Koenig; outcome: approved (voice vote).
Board members said they also want to pursue longer-term revenue actions and community engagement, including possible outreach about a future referendum and a workshop on strategies to increase compensatory revenue and outreach to families. Administrators noted that changes in the state's compensatory-aid formula and 'direct certification' processes have altered revenue outcomes compared with prior years; several trustees asked staff to compare Red Wing's outcomes to other districts and to bring proposals to the next workshop.
The board scheduled a follow-up workshop to review implementation steps and potential alternatives before positions are finalized.
