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Fairmont Area School Board approves preliminary 2025–26 budget, accepts donations and signs off on routine business
Summary
The board approved a preliminary 2025–26 budget that anticipates a modest decrease in fund balance, accepted donations for the Anne Frank Tree Project, set activity and admission fees for 2025–26, approved personnel hires and resignations, and handled routine agreements and calendar changes.
The Fairmont Area School Board voted to approve the district’s preliminary budget for fiscal year 2025–26, accepted several donations, and completed a slate of routine operational votes including activity fees, stipend adjustments and personnel actions.
Jessica, who presented the finance report, framed the budget discussion around enrollment and legislative uncertainty. “A school district’s enrollment is the single most important factor in determining our revenues,” she told the board while reviewing assumptions and noting the preliminary general fund projection of roughly $27.6 million in expenditures. Jessica reported district final 2024–25 enrollment at 1,723 students and an average daily membership projection of about 1,779 for 2025–26 that informs revenue estimates.
The board approved the preliminary budget as required by state timelines; staff said the plan currently projects an approximate $264,000 decrease in the general fund balance and about a $463,000 decrease across all funds, with adjustments to be made as state and federal funding information is finalized.
On donations, the board accepted several gifts to support the Anne Frank Tree Project, including $10 from Janelle Cunning, $250 from the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, $200 from Cole Papers and $25 from Linda Olman. The motion to accept donations passed on a roll‑call vote.
The board also approved wire transfers and payments for the May 22–June 4 period and June 10 bills, adopted the Minnesota State High School League membership resolution, and approved an amended schoolboard calendar moving the July meeting to July 22.
Operations committee recommendations on student activity fees were approved: football fees were reduced $5 to $130 to match category peers; cheerleading fees increased $10 to $130; speech fees decreased $10 to $60; robotics and debate were added with a $60 participation fee. Adult admission prices remain $7 with senior admission $5 and free admission for students and district staff with ID.
The board approved a $10 increase to extra‑duty worker stipends for 2025–26; one member abstained from that vote citing a personal conflict. The board also approved an annual payroll and benefit management services agreement and authorized MDE review of the LTFM plan materials (see related facilities article).
On personnel actions, Principal Rosen recommended hiring Madison Sin as an elementary first‑grade teacher effective Aug. 25, 2025, and the board approved the hire. The board also accepted resignations from paraprofessionals Gabriella Mila Ramos and Megan Jammeron effective in June 2025.
Votes at a glance: the meeting record shows motions and approvals for minutes and agenda, acceptance of Appendix A donations, approval of wire transfers and bills, adoption of the preliminary budget, MSHSL membership resolution, calendar amendment, payroll/benefit agreement, activity fees and stipend adjustments, authorization for MDE review of the LTFM plan, and personnel hires/resignations. Many motions were carried by roll call or unanimous voice vote.
