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Board approves $1.6M in proposed reductions, passes nonrenewal and Wright Tech levy resolutions
Summary
The board approved budget revisions and a package of proposed reductions totaling about $1.6 million intended to address a failed operating levy, passed an annual resolution listing nonrenewals, approved Wright Technical Center LTFM levy share (about $38,504), and adopted the 2026‑27 school year calendar; a closed meeting on labor negotiations was scheduled after adjournment.
The Big Lake School Board approved several financial and personnel measures at its meeting after hearing administration recommendations intended to address a shortfall following a failed operating levy.
Finance presenter Angie (S12) reviewed the monthly financial report and preliminary unassigned fund‑balance projections, saying the projected ending unassigned fund balance for 2026‑27 would be about 13.56% after the proposed budget revisions and that projections for 2027‑28 decline to roughly 9.47% under current assumptions. She described preliminary estimates as subject to change and highlighted enrollment movement (a net increase of 12 ADM for March 1 in the materials she presented).
Administration presented a package of budget‑reduction recommendations tied to a previously set target (the district had identified an approximately $1.5 million target earlier). The proposal before the board for approval totaled $1,603,524 and included roughly 11.5 teacher full‑time‑equivalent (FTE) reductions, restructuring, reductions in hours for some employees, transportation efficiencies and a 5% reduction in supply budgets, plus identified steps to pursue grants and other revenue. A motion to approve the budget revisions and related consent items carried on a voice vote.
On personnel, administration recommended and the board approved an annual resolution to nonrenew certain non‑tenured or out‑of‑license teaching positions so they can be posted; the resolution was approved by roll call with the members present voting aye.
The board also approved the Wright Technical Center long‑term facilities maintenance (LTFM) plan and agreed to levy Big Lake’s share on behalf of Wright Tech. Finance stated Big Lake’s share presented was roughly $38,504 (shown as about $30,009 plus about $7,598 in the materials). The resolution was approved by roll call.
The 2026‑27 school year calendar — presented as similar to this year’s calendar but with a pre‑Labor Day start and an extended two‑week winter break — was approved on a voice vote; administration said it will make special accommodations for students with certain obligations (for example, 4‑H conflicts that can arise from starting before Labor Day).
Finally, the board authorized entry into a closed meeting after adjournment under Minnesota Statutes §13D.03 to discuss labor negotiation strategy related to bargaining with Big Lake Education Minnesota.
Why it matters: The approved reductions, if implemented, affect staffing and operations across the district and were presented as necessary after voters rejected the operating levy. Some of the actions (the nonrenewal resolution and levy for Wright Tech LTFM) were approved by roll call, making them formal board decisions recorded in minutes.
What’s next: Implementation details, possible staff postings and follow‑up negotiations with bargaining representatives were listed by administration as the next steps.
