logo
State budget questions have impact on APS budget process

State budget questions have impact on APS budget process

Yahoo10-06-2025
Jun. 10—Editor's Note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
The Minnesota State Legislature was able to get its budget wrapped up during a furious one-day special session, but the delay in the lead-up already had uncertain repercussions on the process of Austin Public Schools budget.
Slated to present a plan Monday night during the Austin Public School Board's meeting, Executive Director of Finance and Operations Todd Lechtenberg informed the board that budget finalization would come later because there was so much uncertainty at the state level and its budget.
"We just have too many moving parts," Lechtenberg told the board, after going through some of the things known and unknown.
The Legislature's K-12 education bill would increase funding for Minnesota schools by $4.2 million in the 2026-27 biennium, however, the bill calls for $420 million in general education funding cuts in the following biennium.
While there will be some work to dig through and see what the budget ultimately consists of and its effects on APS, some of the things already in the budget included reductions in three different areas.
Compensatory aid modifications could decrease revenue by around $277,136, though Lechtenberg did say that is down from what it was in the beginning at around a $1.1 million decrease. However, this is a one-time reprieve and a task force is currently being formed to address this point.
Announced late Monday night, the bill would also call for a 10% cut in transportation funding for students with disabilities by fiscal year 2027, resulting in a 5% decrease in special ed transportation aid for districts in 2026. That cut would further reduce 90% coverage in 2027. This cost was 100% covered in the past.
The state's education bill would also cut school library aid by $19.62 million in fiscal years 2026-27, which could reduce the impact to APS by around $31,537.
However, at the same time the summer unemployment coverage was expected to be continued through 2028.
Lechtenberg also pointed to several things that further add to the unknown of APS's budget including what the effects will be of the Minnesota Paid Leave legislation, which will kick into effect on Jan. 1
There will also be the impact of union settlements which are still in the process of being negotiated, the impacts of tariffs enacted by the Trump Administration, a potential district referendum and federal funding.
In particular, the federal funding question revolves around title funding. The district has already received its Title 1 and Title 4 funding, but they don't know the dollar amounts for Title 2 and Title 3 funding yet.
Also factored into the budget discussions will be the impact of a lower than estimated projected district enrollment, though that could be mitigated somewhat by a state aid increase to $7,481 per student representing a 2.74% increase.
The district will pick up the budget discussion again on June 24, and are required to finalize the budget by June 30.
In other news:
Board members adopted a 14% increase to its medical insurance renewal in order to keep up with expected claims for the 2025-2026 school year as well as a 3% increase to do the same. According to Lechtenberg, the district was operating at 112% and 142% lost ratio for the 12-month spans of April 2024 to March 2025 and April 2023 to March 2024 respectively. However, the increase is a step down from last year when the district instituted a 24% increase.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

APS Board members respond after vulgar text messages sent during board meeting
APS Board members respond after vulgar text messages sent during board meeting

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Yahoo

APS Board members respond after vulgar text messages sent during board meeting

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Albuquerque Public School Board Members are responding to controversy after a text message between a board member and her husband used vulgar language to describe the board's vice president. During last week's APS School Board meeting, members followed along on their laptops as they gave results of a self-evaluation. Story continues below Education: APS Board members respond after vulgar text messages sent during board meeting Trending: Working group offers recommendations for AI use in schools to NM lawmakers News: Metropolitan Detention Center reports 6th inmate death this year Board member Heather Benavidez called out the board on attendance, which then sparked a debate about one member who has missed many meetings while on maternity leave. 'But during that period, this board member did attend one meeting, so was she on leave or no?' said Benavidez. Benavidez's husband was following the meeting and sent a text to his wife, which popped up in large print on her laptop. Someone took this photo that has been circulating. KRQE News 13 obtained the picture. Her husband wrote a vulgar message about board member Courtney Jackson. It said, 'Courtney is a c***, which Benavidez liked, and wrote back, 'a stupid one at that.' He went on to state, 'There is no maternity leave,' and Benavidez wrote, 'What a crock of s***.' Jackson sent a statement saying: I was made aware of the comment and reached out the next morning, in accordance with our Board Governance Manual, to address what was clearly a hurtful and inappropriate personal attack. Through texts and a conversation, I expressed my hope that we can bring our focus back to students, where it belongs, and that board members can uphold a basic level of respect and decorum, even when we disagree. What was on display that night was disappointing and lacked the integrity we each committed to when we took this role. No one said we always have to agree, but we do owe one another respect. We are role models for the district. Disparaging comments only bring down the important work we're here to do. Though we did have a conversation, there has been no apology for the words used, which is unfortunate. But, I remain committed to rebuilding trust and modeling the leadership our students, families, and staff deserve. Benavidez sent a statement: During a recent board meeting, an unfortunate breach of my privacy occurred when someone took a photo of my computer screen—capturing a private conversation—without my knowledge or consent. I have since addressed and resolved this matter. As we approach the start of the new school year, my focus remains firmly on improving student outcomes. I am committed to moving forward and will not allow distractions or actions that seek to undermine my integrity or dedication to detract from the important work ahead. APS Board President Danielle Gonzales sent this statement: I will not comment on the issue directly. The APS Board of Education has established procedures for addressing concerns related to board member conduct and performance. We will utilize the appropriate channels as outlined in our governance manual to ensure that any issues are handled accordingly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword

Atlanta Public Schools to give employees 10% raises
Atlanta Public Schools to give employees 10% raises

Yahoo

time18-07-2025

  • Yahoo

Atlanta Public Schools to give employees 10% raises

Atlanta Public Schools announced Friday that it was giving its frontline employees raises for the coming fiscal year. Last year, APS gave teachers an 11% raise. For FY2026, bus drivers, custodians and paraprofessionals will get a 10% boost to their wages. School nurses will also get a market adjustment, giving a 1% increase to registered nurses and a 2% increase to licensed practical nurses. 'I want to thank and give credit to the Atlanta Board of Education for continuing to support these financial initiatives for our hardworking staff members amid an increasingly challenging fiscal landscape,' said APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson. 'Their support affirms the importance of investing in the people who power our mission, and who educate, support, and care for the students of Atlanta Public Schools.' All APS employees can also expect a salary step increment for the coming school year, according to officials. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Rivian names Atlanta site as its new East Coast headquarters MARTA CEO steps down, citing 'immigration status, personal matters' Body of third person, a 10-year-old girl, found in GA river [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Solve the daily Crossword

Funding for farming internship program at APS in jeopardy
Funding for farming internship program at APS in jeopardy

Yahoo

time16-07-2025

  • Yahoo

Funding for farming internship program at APS in jeopardy

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A group of Albuqeurque Public Schools' students has been spending their summer on a farm as part of an internship that helps them and the community. But funding for the program could be in jeopardy. Story continues below News: New Mexico Supreme Court throws out embezzlement charges against former official Trending: A 'professional courtesy': How an officer crossed the line Community: Funding for farming internship program at APS in jeopardy KRQE Investigates: Embattled McKinley County DA asks for emergency funding to keep her office running This is the third summer, Rio Grande High School students have been helping local farms through the Agriculture and Nutrition Internship Program. The students receive an elective credit, and the school district even pays them in exchange for their work at farm-to-table businesses around Albuquerque, like Old Town Farms and Chispas Farm. Domonic Taylor, an APS educational assistant, said it's a great way for students to put their phones down and to get outside. Old Town Farms said they love the help. An APS senior director sent an email to Rio Grande High School's principal in May stating that the school would need to find funding for the program after this summer, because district funds may not be available in the future. The popular program has even expanded to include Valley and Sandia High School students. Leaders of the agriculture internship program said that students taking part in career and technical programs have higher graduation rates. An APS spokesperson sent this statement: In prior fiscal years, it was funded by our Career Connected Learning department's operational budget. This year, that funding was allocated directly to schools. Moving forward, Rio Grande High School can continue to fund the program through the additional operational funds for Career Connected Learning classes and the additional Title I school-based funding it's now receiving. It's up to the school's leadership and Instructional Council to determine whether that program should continue to be funded or whether the money is better spent elsewhere. Martin Salazar Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store