The Anoka-Hennepin School Board took action beginning in February 2024 to reduce and realign the budget for the current school year( 2025-26), reducing over 200 administrative and central office positions in a two-phased, $ 14.14 million reduction process.

The Anoka-Hennepin School Board approved an additional $ 8.1 million budget reduction and reallocation plan at its December 8, 2025 meeting, a decision that completes a multi-year, three-phased process to provide budget stability ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

Phase 1: $ 5.1 million in central administration and services were reduced for the 2024-25 budget in an effort to mitigate the impact of additional cuts for the 2025-26 budget.

Phase 2: $ 9.04 million reduction in district and central office / services.

• Reduction of over 200 district office and central services positions and realignment of District leadership structure.

• One-time use of district fund balance and reduction of $ 5 million in strategic investments to reach the budget reduction and reallocation goal.

• No requirement to pursue a referendum election.

With over six million square feet located in 50 facilities, the Anoka-Hennepin School District coordinates a prioritized system to identify, fund and ensure the taxpayer investment in school facilities is protected.

The school district utilizes a variety of funding sources to address needs using a“ pay as you go” funding approach, eliminating the use of bonds or debt to finance projects. Long Term Facility Maintenance Revenue- normally referred to as LTFM- and capital funds based on state funding formulas provide a large portion of the revenue available. Funds from the child nutrition program and School Board directed strategic investments are also utilized where necessary.

Infrastructure protection: Anoka- Hennepin has pursued 52 different projects over the past two years, bringing resources to every location in the district. Highlights include:

• HVAC dehumidification projects at Eisenhower and Madison elementary

In total, the district has eliminated

schools.

• Kitchen updates and ventilation upgrades will be made at Jefferson, Johnsville, Lincoln and Madison elementary schools, Roosevelt Middle School, River Trail Learning Center at L. O. Jacob and the Educational Service Center.

• Smoke stack maintenance will take place at Johnsville Elementary and River Trail Learning Center at L. O. Jacob.

• Elevator refurbishment will be completed at Mississippi and Rum River elementary schools, and the Educational Service Center.

• Pavement maintenance will be conducted in parking lots and / or bus loops used for pick-up and drop-off of students at Hamilton Elementary and Coon Rapids Middle School. Hard surface play areas will be repaved at Andover, Crooked Lake and Dayton elementary schools.

• Stadium bleachers will be expanded and ADA accommodation improvements will be made at Andover High School.

Phase 3: $ 8.1 million in reductions and reallocations were approved in five major areas including:

• Elementary technology support reduced by 4 FTE model, current staffing allocation is 5 FTE, $ 260,000.

• High school staffing reduction of 28 FTE in relation to the number of students who leave campus for Post-Secondary Education Options( PSEO) and other opportunities, $ 2,240,000.

• Reduce 42.5 FTE in non-literacy based positions that were added with one-time Elementary and Secondary Student Emergency Relief funds, $ 4,600,000.

• Professional development reduction, $ 300,000.

• Central services: Cancel Coon Rapids Family Mall Lease and create a centralized enrollment center at the Educational Services Center, $ 350,000 and restructure Research, Evaluation and Testing department, $ 350,000.

Detailed information is published on the Anoka-Hennepin School District website. Visit ahschools. us / budget to read additional news coverage on the budget reduction and realignment process. n

Andover High School stadium packed with fans from the community in the fall of 2025.

• Pool repairs including air handling and mechanical upgrades will be made at Anoka Middle School for the Arts- Fred Moore campus and Northdale Middle School.

• Strategic investments: The School Board authorizes spending in this area to focus on achieving strategic priorities of the district. continued on page 5

SPRING 2026

My journey serving in education has been grounded in leading with purpose- focused on the goal of making a meaningful impact on student outcomes. After spending six years of the last decade of my career here, district staff have remained steadfast in focusing on what is best for our students.

In March, I announced that I would not be seeking another contract after my current term expires June 30. The timing of this notice aimed to give the School Board time to conduct an efficient leadership search process while providing myself the opportunity to explore other professional goals.

Anoka-Hennepin is a district that many often look to as a leader in education, and I have confidence that the district is in a stable place to continue our mission to effectively educate each of our students for success. As the School Board announces its next steps in determining

continued on page 5