Phase 3 budget reduction and realignment process to begin, community meetings set

The process to determine a solution to address challenges for the 2026-27 Anoka-Hennepin School District budget took an initial step forward with a review of draft budget considerations and possible solutions at a School Board work session held Monday, Sept. 8.

Quick facts: An initial $15 million budget gap has been narrowed, with a remaining target of $8 million in reductions and realignments identified for the 2026-27 school year.

• This item was discussed at the School Board work session held Monday, Sept. 8. 
  • Watch the presentation.
    
    
• Provide your feedback: bit.ly/AHSchoolsBudgetFeedback
  • An additional presentation will be shared at the Monday, Sept. 22 School Board meeting and also at a series of community meetings in an open house format. 
  • Approval of the budget reductions will be considered following review of public feedback and recommendations from school and district administration.  
    
    

The big picture: The Anoka-Hennepin School Board took action beginning in February 2024 to reduce and realign the budget for the current school year, reducing over 200 administrative and central office positions in a two-phased, $14.14 million reduction process. The current process, Phase 3, will provide solutions to maintain financial stability for the 2026-27 school year. Details include:

Phase 1: $5.1 million reduction in district and central office/services. 

• Elimination of 40 positions and operations reductions of $1.1 million in areas such as transportation and district technology.

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.

Phase 3: Projected $8 million in reductions or realignments under consideration.

The Anoka-Hennepin School Board values community input to inform decision-making. A presentation will detail the current status of the reduction process and feedback will be collected and provided to the School Board through a series of public community meetings at area middle schools in addition to an online feedback form.

• Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 6-7 p.m. at Anoka Middle School for the Arts, Fred Moore campus (1523 S Fifth Ave., Anoka).

• Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6-7 p.m. at Roosevelt Middle School (650 125th Ave. NE, Blaine).

• Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 6-7 p.m. at Jackson Middle School (6000 109th Ave. N., Champlin).

• Wednesday, Oct.1 from 6-7 p.m. at Coon Rapids Middle School (11600 Raven St. NW. Coon Rapids).

• Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 6-7 p.m. at Oak View Middle School (15400 Hanson Blvd., Andover).

All sessions will include a short presentation at 6:10 p.m. Residents will then have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to district staff and school board members in attendance.