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Crosby‑Ironton superintendent warns state budget proposals could cut special‑education aid
Summary
Superintendent Mister Ollie told the board that Gov. Walz's supplemental budget proposal includes new reductions to special‑education cross‑subsidy aid that could affect district finances; he outlined operational updates including a near‑complete website and a timeline for hiring a preschool–grade 6 principal.
Crosby‑Ironton Public School District Superintendent Mister Ollie told the school board on Tuesday that a recently released state supplemental budget proposal could reduce special‑education reimbursements and affect district finances.
“Governor Walz did submit his supplemental budget proposal, with several items,” Mister Ollie said, adding that the plan includes an “additional $50,000,000 in reductions to special education cross subsidy aid.” He also referenced earlier proposed reductions and commission recommendations that, combined in discussion, were described in the meeting as larger cuts the district is watching closely.
Mister Ollie told the board the district experienced roughly $1,200,000 in cross‑subsidy impact last year and that changes at the state level could have material effects on local budgets. “So that could potentially impact us, with our special ed reimbursements,” he said, and added the district will monitor legislative work and report back as proposals move through the process.
Alongside the budget update, Mister Ollie summarized several operational items: the district website is nearing completion with a projected release around mid‑month; staff received early training on the Infinite Campus student information system in preparation for a fall rollout; digital facility mapping funded by a Crow Wing County grant was completed and distributed to first responders; and the district plans to take a group of staff and students to a Sourcewell change‑maker event on April 16.
On staffing, he outlined the timeline for hiring a preschool‑through‑grade‑6 principal after the elementary principal’s resignation: the position was posted March 10; 15 applications were received and 11 candidates had completed initial screening interviews; the board plans on‑site candidate visits April 20 (and April 22 if needed) with a recommendation and contract expected on the April 27 board agenda and a summer start for the selected candidate.
The board did not take any formal budget action during the meeting; members asked clarifying questions and thanked administration for the update. The superintendent said the district will keep the board informed as legislative proposals develop.
