April 14 Meeting

All MPS school board directors were present for the April 14 meeting, except Cerillo. The public comments section was packed, mostly from Adult Ed students and MFE staff– counselors and librarians again made impassioned and rational calls against the devastating cuts projected for FY ‘26-’27. About half of the Adult Ed program is on the chopping block. The American Indian PAC (Parent Advisory Council) presented, focusing on mental health, discipline, and academic support. They asked for quarterly meetings with the board, which it seems they are not getting now.

The district’s audit presentation was somewhat alarming, as they reported significant deficiencies in the budget reporting process. Our general fund revenues are $10.9 million over budget, general fund expenditures are $30.1 million under budget. Our fund balance decreased by $49 million less than expected (but still decreased $40 million). Sharp drop in federal funding and loss of COVID funds are having a very negative impact on our budget. Revenue and expenditures per pupil consistently exceed state averages.

The final FY ‘26-’27 budget will be proposed on April 28, and presented at the May 12 board meeting. I encourage folks to check out the district’s new budget finder, as they actually did open up a lot of information. In his state legislative session update, MPS Senior Executive Officer Ryan Strack expressed some optimism about the passage of the compensatory bill, and called the $250 million in SPED cuts “devastating” (this will probably mean $5-$8 million in cuts for MPS annually). Board members entered into a discussion about how to handle absences on committees, as several have not been attending, which makes it impossible to have a quorum.