Mahtomedi board approves 2025–26 budget reductions and use of fund balance after hours of debate

The Mahtomedi Public School District Board on Feb. 24 approved a set of budget reductions and adjustments intended to address an estimated $2,000,000 shortfall in the 2025–26 general fund, combining expense reductions, modest revenue measures and a $792,000 one‑time use of fund balance.

The package, moved by Director Donner and seconded by Director Whitson, cleared by voice vote after nearly three hours of discussion about class sizes, program cuts and the long‑term risks of drawing down reserves. Board members removed two measures from the list before voting: a proposed 20% increase in activity registration fees (estimated at about $56,000) and a proposed reduction of certain high‑school low‑participation activities (about $4,500); administration will return with more information on those items.

District leadership told the board the $2,000,000 estimated gap is the result of several factors including the expiration of one‑time federal relief (ESSER) funds, inflation on operating costs and state policy changes that affect district funding. "We're looking at an estimated budget reduction of about 2,000,000," Superintendent Barb said as she introduced the proposal and asked the board to approve items that could be acted on now and continue work on the rest at the March meeting.

Key elements of the approved package: - One‑time use of fund balance: $792,000 to reduce the immediate shortfall; administration said that would leave an estimated…