Board debates budget priorities, seeks options to avoid classroom cuts and weighs opening Zumbro

Board members spent extended time on budget priorities and direction for administrators as the district works toward required reductions.

Dr. Mahorn opened the discussion and asked trustees to provide priorities to guide budget planning. Multiple trustees said protecting classroom instruction, maintaining current class sizes, and prioritizing student safety and attendance should guide reductions. Several board members favored beginning cuts at the district-office and administrative level and seeking to minimize impacts on teachers and principals.

Trustees discussed specific lines and positions under consideration. Some board members proposed not replacing vacant district positions and administrative roles first, and expressed particular concern about cutting counselors, psychologists and reading…