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District says $2 million drop in compensatory education funding after legislature
Summary
Administrators told the board the district will receive an $87,000 hold‑harmless payment from the legislature but projects a roughly $2 million annual reduction in compensatory education funding tied to changes after free meals for all; the district plans to manage the shortfall and move toward a balanced budget over several years.
At the May 18 meeting, administrators updated the board on state legislative actions that affect district funding. They said the legislature provided an $87,000 'hold harmless' payment, but that changes to how compensatory education is calculated following free meals for all leave the district about $2 million short in funds used to serve students in poverty.
"We will still be down $2,000,000," the superintendent said, adding that Richfield previously received approximately $400,000 a year tied to feeding eligible students and that the net change in services and staffing is being reflected in next year’s budget. Administrators said the district has planned for the reduction and expects to cover deficit spending in FY27 while gradually moving back toward a balanced budget over subsequent years.
Board members asked clarifying questions; no action was taken other than acknowledgement and continued incorporation of the funding change into budget forecasts.
