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Board adopts 2026–27 budget after debate over student‑facing cuts and priorities (4–3)
Summary
The Prior Lake‑Savage Area Schools Board adopted the 2026–27 budget and accompanying projections after hours of discussion over program cuts, enrollment declines and priorities. The final roll‑call vote was 4–3.
The board adopted the district’s final 2026–27 budget on June 8 following a detailed presentation by Director Ryder and extended discussion about the distribution of recent reductions. Administration presented a narrative and three projection tables showing fiscal outcomes under different referendum replacement levels. The board approved the budget by roll call, four in favor and three opposed.
Board members said they were proud that a balanced budget was presented but disagreed over whether the adopted reductions matched the board’s previously adopted priorities. One director expressed concern that roughly 64% of the more than $4 million in reductions were student‑facing and asked for clearer evidence that savings were being redirected to classroom instruction. Director France, defending the budget work, cited rising costs and said the district had made difficult choices: "I do appreciate the work that administration has done... we really need to do something about increasing the revenue through levies," she said, tying budget pressures to the levy discussion.
Administration explained budget assumptions, including enrollment projections and a projected fund balance target (the district aims to maintain an 8% unassigned fund balance). The packet included three scenarios: retaining the current referendum allowance, replacing it with an intermediate per‑pupil amount, or replacing it at the higher proposed per‑pupil level; each scenario shows different projected ending balances and tradeoffs for programs.
The roll‑call vote on the budget: Smith (yes), France (yes), Olad (yes), Mason (no), Johnson (no), Atinson (no), Chair Bullan (yes). Administration noted a revised budget mechanism will allow adjustments before the fiscal year begins if circumstances change and reiterated that planned spending tied to potential sale proceeds would not be spent until funds are secured.
Next steps: administration will publish the adopted budget documents required by state statute and follow up with additional breakdowns requested by board members, including clarifications on the distribution of the unassigned fund balance and any planned uses of potential sale proceeds.
