(07/02/2025) The Anoka-Hennepin School Board approved the 2025-26 district budget at its regular meeting on Monday, June 23 on a 4-2 vote with Directors Matt Audette and Linda Hoekman voting no. 

Why it matters: Budget approval means the district will maintain operations and all actions necessary to prepare for the 2025-26 school year.  

Timeline: School district budgeting is done on a continuous basis with initial approval and budget amendments as needed throughout the school year.

• The budget process began in November 2024, which takes into account certified pay 2025 levy, the legislative policy session, and enrollment projections made at the start of the calendar year.

• From February to April, district staff reviewed staffing and developed department and site budgets prior to the School Board’s preliminary review.

• The School Board previewed a draft preliminary budget at its May 19, 2025 meeting for further refinement prior to approval at the June 23 meeting.  

Go deeper: The largest of the six funds that comprise the budget is the $675 million general fund, along with five other funds, including food service, community service, capital projects, debt service and the trust fund for a total of $780,156,454 in total expenditures.

• Health of the fund balance: With the approval, the district fund balance is programmed to be maintained at 8.5% - while it is below the School Board policy of 10% of general fund expenditures.
  
  

• Reductions and realignment: The budget also incorporates $9 million in Phase 2 budget reductions, reducing 200 central office and administrative positions along with operational reallocations. 

See it yourself: Anoka-Hennepin School Board meetings are shared online and on cable television. Review the budget presentation and approval from the June 23 meeting.