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After public pleas to save speech team and SRO, East Grand Forks board approves amended budget reductions (~$842,000) and schedules special meeting
Summary
Trustees approved an amended package of budget reductions on April 13 that restores an SRO, a social worker and select positions while keeping roughly $842,000 in cuts; many residents — including the mayor, students, coaches and alumni — urged the board to preserve the speech program and the school resource officer.
The East Grand Forks Public School District board voted April 13 to approve amended budget reductions for the 2026–27 school year that restore several items after public comment and trustee discussion, producing a running total of roughly $842,000 in reductions.
Mayor Mark Olson opened public comment and said he had been "notified of the possible cutting of the SRO position for the 26-27 school year" and urged the board to meet with city leaders before finalizing any change to the SRO contract, warning that cutting the position could affect response times and the city budget.
Multiple parents, current and former coaches, alumni and students described the speech program as inclusive and formative. Tanner Miller, who described nine years coaching the activity, said the proposal "does not have the student body's best interest in mind" and handed trustees a packet of alumni letters. Student speakers and alumni said participation has grown since COVID and argued cutting the program would deprive students of belonging and development opportunities.
During a lengthy board discussion, trustees and administrators weighed restorations and trade-offs: some members said safety and student supports were top priorities; others stressed the district’s structural deficit and the need for an operating levy or other revenue if cuts are postponed. Board members proposed restoring the school resource officer, a social worker, one teaching position (to preserve a third-grade section) and extracurricular support for cross country and speech; staff estimated those restorations would leave a running total of about $842,000 in required reductions.
A trustee moved to approve the budget reductions with those specific positions added back in (the motion cited restoring the social worker, one bargaining-unit teacher, the SRO and activity funding); the amended motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The transcript records the vote as "Aye... Motion carries" but does not list a roll-call tally.
County Commissioner Ross Pape urged an alternative: raising activity fees to help preserve programs rather than cutting staff, while other speakers suggested additional fundraising, hosting tournaments and seeking sponsorships.
The board accepted the amendment and scheduled a special meeting for Monday, April 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the same room to review personnel impacts with names and to complete any necessary approvals. Administrators said they would follow statutory notice requirements and work to notify affected staff and families as required.
What this means: The board approved a package of reductions while restoring the SRO, a student services/social worker position, a teaching slot and extracurricular funding; final personnel assignments and exact dollar figures tied to individual positions will be confirmed at the special meeting.
