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Grand Forks board approves FY26 budget, certifies 129.85-mill levy amid projected $4.4M gap
Summary
Faced with a 157-student enrollment decline and reduced federal grants, the board approved the FY26 budget and certified a 129.85 mill levy; administration said a budget realignment process with public engagement will run through March 2026 to address a projected $4.4 million shortfall.
The Grand Forks School Board on Sept. 22 approved its fiscal year 2026 budget and certified a total tax levy of 129.85 mills despite administration warnings that the district faces a projected budget gap driven by declining enrollment and reduced federal grants.
Administration finance lead Brandon Bambach told the board enrollment fell by 157 students this fall and that the district’s per‑pupil calculation of roughly $11,000 per student helps explain a projected expenditure‑over‑revenue position for FY26 of about $4.4 million. Bambach said the district’s ending general‑fund reserves are expected to fall below the board’s 15% target without course corrections.
“We have to go through conversations as a school board, as a community, to make sure that we shore this up and have strong reserves into the future,” Bambach said, describing a proposed realignment and engagement timeline that would bring clearer decisions by March 2026.
Superintendent Doctor Brenner said administration has begun a week‑by‑week process to identify savings and meet with building leaders to surface options for this year and next. “This work started several weeks ago,” Brenner said, and principals and directors are being asked what they can do to help reconcile the budget.
Board members pressed administration on the limits of local authority to change expenses this year. Bambach said certified staff contracts are protected for the year, but the district can examine classified positions, discretionary supply lines and some pending contracts. He also noted that property tax changes under a state cap (3%) reduce the district’s ability to rely on valuation growth for revenue.
Several members emphasized public communication. Doctor Lund urged the district to keep parents and staff informed throughout realignment. Doctor Hodak, who moved approval of the budget and levy, said the administration’s plan for transparent engagement and board involvement would be critical as the district works through choices.
The motion to approve the FY26 budget and certify the 129.85‑mill levy passed on a roll‑call vote, nine yes, zero no. Administration said it will begin the budget realignment process in October with board‑level engagement and public outreach, and expects clearer operational decisions by March 2026.
