Edina board places Spanish dual-language program at South View, approves FY2027 preliminary budget and ratifies support‑staff contract

At its June 8 meeting the Edina School Board approved three major actions: placement of the middle‑school Spanish dual‑language (SDL) program at South View Middle School; adoption of the district’s preliminary fiscal year 2027 budget; and ratification of a two‑year collective bargaining agreement with the Edina Professional Association of Support Staff (EPASS).

Superintendent Dr. Bitman told the board the SDL placement resulted from a yearlong process involving parents, staff and experts and that South View was recommended because it best preserves student experience and elective options while balancing program distribution across both middle schools. "Based on staff feedback, community feedback, administrative feedback, and what experts recommend... we recommend that [the SDL program] be placed at South View Middle School," Dr. Bitman said. Board members emphasized that the district will fully resource and support the program and pledged better communication with families during implementation.

Director of Finance Mer Whitard presented the FY2027 preliminary budget. Key figures include $180.9 million in projected general fund revenue, $173.8 million in projected expenditures and a projected fund balance of about $49.88 million with 11.0% unassigned (district policy range is 6–10%). Major revenue drivers noted were a 2.69% increase to the basic education formula (about $1.9 million), a voter‑approved referendum increase (about $700,000), a modest capital projects levy increase (~$269,000) and an increase in special education cross‑subsidy aid from 44% to 50% (about $690,000). Whitard warned that the district faces long‑term pressure from enrollment trends and wage growth that could create deficit spending by 2030–31 absent additional state action.

Administration also presented a tentative two‑year EPASS agreement covering July 1, 2026–June 30, 2028. Highlights include step advancement for eligible employees in both years, a 3% wage schedule increase in year one and 4% in year two, modifications to longevity steps, a $50/month increase to the district’s health‑insurance contribution on Jan. 1, 2027 and an additional $75/month on Jan. 1, 2028, and a $15/month dental contribution increase on Jan. 1, 2027. Administration reported the two‑year package equates to roughly a 7.61% increase under MSBA costing conventions.

Votes at a glance: • Consent agenda: approved by voice vote (no opposed votes recorded). (motion introduced SEG 325; vote recorded SEG 332–335) • Placement of SDL at South View Middle School: motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote. (motion introduced SEG 802; approval announced SEG 946–947) • FY2027 preliminary budget: motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote. (motion introduced SEG 949; approval announced SEG 1234–1236) • EPASS collective bargaining agreement (2026–2028): motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote. (motion introduced SEG 1238; approval announced SEG 1344–1347) • Multiple policy updates (418, 530, 620, 636, 113, 506, 806, 810): approved by voice vote. (motions and approvals recorded SEG 1351–1415)

Board members said the SDL placement will be accompanied by a multiyear implementation plan and reiterated commitments to resources and communication. The preliminary budget will go forward as the district’s planning document with continued monitoring of enrollment and state funding forecasts. The EPASS agreement takes effect July 1, 2026.