A big announcement from our team – Southwest Voices and the Southwest Connector are joining forces to create one publication covering Southwest Minneapolis across print and digital platforms.

45/ (It is almost my bedtime.)

44/ Next up are proposed new school calendars. Ryan Strack is presenting. The proposals are posted online with the boardbook.

43/ Cerrillo: Speaking about an intergovernmental work group. Says city council approved an amendment to increase funding for stable homes stable schools program. About $800k more in funding.

42/ Downham: Parents Legislative Action Committee is where parents can get connected to advocating for MPS. Says district will have difficulty balancing the budget without much new revenue next year.

41/ Norvell: Asks how families can support requests for additional funding. Asks for more information for board members so they can easily share it.

40/ Beachy asks about protections for immigrant students and what is possible. Downham says unlikely to get state legislation passed. Says district teaches all students regardless of immigration status.

39/ Downham says the legislative agenda is ambitious but reflects the needs of MPS teachers and students.

38/ The most recent economic forecast shows a small surplus for the next biennium followed by a deficit two years later. Downham anticipates that federal policies like tariffs could cause the small surplus to evaporate by the February forecast.

37/ Legislature must adjourn May 20. Excepts a special session to finalize the budget.

36/ The 2/28 budget forecast will be the final numbers used to set budget targets for committees. Says it’s critical to get as high of a target as possible.

35/ Downham: At the State level, the DFL retains a Senate majority but the House is tied, no longer DFL controlled. Says all House legislation will require bipartisan support. Working on statewide coalitions related to education.

34/ Downham says the election results are “sobering” because the GOP will use budget reconciliation early on. Expects cuts to the education department as well as tax policy changes that are effectively vouchers. Says it’s possible Title funding could be “block granted”.

33/ Next district lobbyist Josh Downham is presenting on the districts legislative agenda.

32/ Directors did not ask any questions about the budget update.

31/ Last year general fund expenses were $692M, this year $715M; general fund revenue was $701M last year and $630M this year. The change in revenue is because of the end of pandemic aid.

30/ This is for the current school year. Revenue $684M, expenses $772M.

29/ The board directors asked no questions about the levy update. Next is a budget update.

28/ The levy will total $279 M and represents both operating funds, capital funds and debt service funds.

27/ Aaron Gilbert, Director of Finance and Controller, is presenting about the levy as part of the district’s truth in taxation requirements. The levy is assessed in 2025 and receives the levy funds in the 2025-26 school year.