Board approves Phase 3 budget reductions and reallocations to hit $8 million target
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Summary
The school board on Dec. 8 approved the district's final Phase 3 budget reduction and reallocation plan — part of $22.2 million of total reductions across three phases — emphasizing minimized classroom impacts and recurring savings such as ending an offsite lease and modifying professional‑development spending.
The Anoka‑Hennepin board voted unanimously on Dec. 8 to approve Phase 3 of the district's budget reduction and reallocation plan, the final step to reach an $8.0 million target in this phase and about $22.2 million across phases 1–3.
Superintendent McIntyre and CFO Michelle Vargas reviewed prior phases and the final recommendations, which prioritize minimizing changes to class size, literacy supports and student safety. The plan combines central‑office realignment, facilities efficiencies and program reallocations. Board members noted two recurring savings specifically highlighted by administration: ending a lease on an offsite central‑office building (estimated $700,000 annual savings) and trimming some professional‑development spending (roughly $300,000), together representing about $1.0 million in annual recurring savings.
Board discussion emphasized a commitment to monitor school‑level impacts and to return to the board if critical services are degraded. Director Langenfeld said the recommendations were aligned with district priorities and praised the effort to avoid program cuts and class‑size increases.
The motion to approve the Phase 3 reductions passed 6–0. Administration said staffing adjustments will follow during the normal seasonal staffing process and reiterated plans for monitoring service levels across schools so the board can reallocate if necessary.
Ending: With approval, the district will implement the reductions and continue to report on staffing and service impacts to the board as school‑year planning proceeds.