Grand Forks school and district leaders convened on December 12, 2023, to explore potential budget cuts in response to a significant $4.4 million deficit projected for the 2025-2026 school year. This meeting, part of a series of retreats aimed at budget realignment, brought together over 40 administrators, staff, teachers, and School Board members to discuss strategies for managing the district’s financial challenges.
During the discussions, participants identified several contentious options, including the potential combination of elementary schools, the reduction of low-enrollment courses, and cuts to student technology services. The atmosphere was marked by an acknowledgment of the discomfort associated with making these difficult decisions.
Ali Parkinson, Principal of Discovery Elementary, articulated the hesitance among school leaders, stating, “All of us principals have noted that our preference would not be to eliminate any of these things.” She emphasized the need to focus on sustainability and academic support while navigating the budget cuts.
Exploring Revenue and Cost Reduction Strategies
The discussion included both revenue-generating ideas and cost-reduction measures. On the revenue side, leaders proposed options such as implementing fees for general education busing, increasing athletic fees, and charging students from other districts to enroll in courses at the Career Impact Academy.
Conversely, several cost-cutting measures were put forward. One significant proposal was to combine elementary schools into K-2 and 3-5 buildings. Kevin Ohnstad, Principal of Phoenix Elementary, presented this idea but noted strong opposition from other elementary leaders who expressed concerns about eroding neighborhood schools. Ohnstad highlighted the potential benefits, including improved collaboration among teachers and financial efficiencies, but also acknowledged the logistical challenges it would pose to families.
Another area of focus was the reduction of elective courses characterized by low enrollment. Kris Arason, Principal of Red River High School, indicated that classes with fewer than 15 students would be targeted for cuts, although essential classes required for graduation would remain untouched. He reiterated the importance of maintaining high-level opportunities for students.
Impact on Graduation Requirements and Technology Services
In another cost-saving measure, Arason suggested possibly lowering the required credits for graduation from 24 to 22, in line with state requirements. This adjustment would help manage classroom space and ensure students can complete their necessary credits. Arason proposed that any changes to graduation requirements should not be implemented until the 2027-2028 school year to allow for proper planning.
Additionally, Darin King, the district’s IT manager, addressed the financial strain of maintaining a one-to-one electronic device ratio for students. He recommended transitioning to a one-to-two or one-to-three ratio, noting that this shift could significantly reduce annual upkeep costs from $247,000 to $123,500 for grades three to eight. King stressed the need for technology policies that are “systemic, scalable, sustainable,” and questioned the current model’s viability.
Other potential cuts discussed included reducing elementary intramural sports, limiting the number of students taking online courses, and pausing curriculum adoptions for elementary schools.
To provide clarity on the financial implications of these discussions, Brandon Baumbach, the district’s Business Manager, presented potential savings ranging from $4.4 million to $5.34 million, dependent on the strategies implemented.
Despite the extensive discussions, no formal actions were taken during the retreat. Board members plan to hold a special meeting in early January 2024 to gather public comments before finalizing any decisions. The district encourages community members to visit the budget realignment section on their website for additional information and to express their concerns.
As the Grand Forks School District navigates these financial challenges, the outcomes of these discussions will significantly impact students, families, and staff members throughout the community.
