Linn‑Mar board approves $6.04 million SBRC request to cover special‑education deficit

The Linn‑Mar Comm School District board voted to approve a School Budget Review Committee (SBRC) allowable‑growth request of $6,040,491.61 to address the district's special‑education deficit.

Justin (finance committee member) moved the measure and it carried after discussion about the mechanics of the request. John, district finance staff, clarified that the SBRC approval grants the district authority to spend that amount for the deficit; it is not an immediate cash payment. "This isn't cash in the bank," John said. "It's just giving us the approval to spend this money. The way that we would get the cash for that would be through one more cash reserve levy, when we're setting our budget."

Board members described a growing special‑education gap and discussed options beyond annual transfers from the general fund. Several directors suggested forming a task force or subcommittee to analyze drivers of the rising deficit and to guide advocacy with state and federal representatives. "Maybe it's time for the board to have a task force outside of our committee that is dedicated to looking at those numbers with John," one director said.

Finance presenters also noted broader budget context: the district is in "improving territory" after prior budget cuts but continues to act conservatively pending October certified‑enrollment and SBRC numbers. The board emphasized the need for deeper analysis of special‑education costs, Medicaid reimbursement timing, and possible legislative advocacy at the congressional level.

The board took the allowable‑growth motion and approved it, enabling staff to include the spending authority when setting levy and budget items this fall. The board next expects finalized state numbers after the October reporting cycle, which will inform additional budget decisions.