Pequot Lakes board adopts FY26 budget and certifies population estimate for levy calculations

The Pequot Lakes Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously on June 16 to adopt the district’s FY26 budget and to certify a population estimate that will be used in payable-2026 levy calculations.

Board members approved the budget during the meeting after a motion by Director Amy Sjoblad, seconded by Director Pamela Johnson. The board also adopted a resolution certifying a population estimate of 11,642—an increase from the 2020 census figure of 10,949—as determined by the State Demographer and provided to the district for levy calculations.

The population-certification resolution was introduced by Sjoblad and seconded by Ross Nelson and carried on a roll-call vote with all seven members in favor. The budget vote likewise passed 7-0.

The packet included the year-to-date enrollment report updated through May 28, 2025; Superintendent Kurt Stumpf had highlighted enrollment and legislative updates for the board earlier in the meeting. The board did not take additional fiscal actions during the public-comment period; the FY26 budget adoption and population certification were the principal fiscal decisions recorded at this meeting.

Next steps: the certified population figure will be submitted to the State Demographer for approval and used in the district’s revenue and levy calculations for payable 2026.