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Hopkins superintendent says district faces about $7 million shortfall; board OKs resolution to begin reduction analysis
Summary
Hopkins Public Schools leaders told the board they are projecting a roughly $7 million budget gap for 2025–26 and placed an initial resolution on the consent calendar directing administrators to analyze potential reductions and return preliminary proposals in April.
Hopkins Public Schools Superintendent Doctor Mary Pirie Reid told the school board on Feb. 25 that the district is working to close an estimated shortfall of about $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2025–26.
The board placed a resolution on the consent calendar that directs the administration to continue analyzing program and staffing options and to present preliminary budget components and staffing implications in April. Assistant Superintendent Doctor Lightfoot described the resolution as part of the standard budget-timeline sequence: “This resolution is the first resolution on the consent agenda that really directs the administration to continue the work of looking at any program reductions, analyzing the enrollment that we're starting to see…” Doctor Lightfoot said, adding that staffing resolutions would follow in May and final budget adoption in June.
Why it matters: About 80% of the district’s operating budget goes to salaries and benefits, meaning any gap large enough to require structural changes will likely touch programs, transportation or staffing. The administration said it has been meeting biweekly, working with principals and the Citizens Financial Advisory Committee, and using outside consultants to analyze high-cost areas such as transportation.
What administrators told the board - Revenue and enrollment assumptions: The business office reported a conservative 2% revenue projection and that enrollment drives allocations. Superintendent Mary Pirie Reid said districts across the metro are facing revenue pressure and that Hopkins is planning conservatively. - Cost drivers: The administration pointed to a projected 4% cost-of-living increase for labor, a 42% fringe-benefit increase in their projections, and rising transportation costs as major drivers of the gap. “If you factor in all these elements, that's where we… are seeing that gap of, about close to $7,000,000,” the superintendent said. - Near-term timeline: Staff said they expect to return April 22 with a preliminary budget that will identify possible reductions; the work will continue in departments and buildings and final adoption is planned for June.
Administration proposals already under consideration included: reconfiguring substitute coverage models at the secondary level; revising targeted staffing and coaching models; reviewing transportation routes, bus fleet usage and opt-in transportation options; reallocating some restricted safety-related funds (previously used ESSER/ESSA dollars) to reduce general-fund pressure; and tighter alignment of the predictable staffing model.
Board and community process: Directors asked for clear opportunities for board and public feedback before any final decisions. Board members and administration said they would provide additional touchpoints for staff and families as the April timeline approaches. The administration also told the board it will continue to bring detailed options back to workshops and regular meetings so the board can provide direction before the final staffing and budget votes.
What was approved tonight: The school board approved the consent calendar, which included the resolution directing the administration to continue reduction analysis (see the separate Vote roundup article for formal vote details).
