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Forest Lake board hears enrollment uptick, special‑education revenues and fund‑balance plan ahead of FY27 budget work
Summary
Officials reported an estimated enrollment increase of about 50 students and the restoration of a 2% special‑education proration, boosting revenue; the finance committee will review fund‑balance policy options (MSBA model and peer districts) with board discussion planned in May and adoption targeted in June.
Forest Lake Public School District finance leaders told the board the district’s revenue picture improved thanks to recent enrollment growth and restored special‑education funding, and outlined a timetable to adopt a fund‑balance policy before the FY27 budget cycle.
A finance presenter said the district had "increased enrollment by about 50 students," which the administration is using conservatively for revenue projections. The presenter also reported that an earlier 2% proration affecting special‑education revenue was funded in full last month, improving the district’s fiscal position.
The committee flagged an unusual decline in tuition‑billing revenue that prompted an internal review; Director Kelly Wilson was tasked to investigate specific expenditure decreases and increases cited in the committee’s audit review. The presenter said the committee examined four expenditure categories that fell and five areas that rose and will reconcile those shifts during budget development.
On fund balance, the committee reviewed the MSBA model policy and will compare practices from surrounding districts in April. The board plans to discuss target percentages at its May 1 meeting, send a draft to the policy committee in May, and hold two meetings in June to adopt a fund‑balance policy aligned with FY27 budget timelines.
Finance staff said the FY26 spending-to-date looks favorable and that a budget adjustment reflecting the increased revenue and enrollment will be presented in coming weeks.
