GF School Board approves budget cutting plan

In a split vote the Grand Forks School Board last night (Monday) agreed to a plan that would slash nearly $4.5 million dollars from the 2021-22 budget.  The recommendation from the Finance Committee trims seven teaching positions and impacts several programs.

The district also expects to lose 37 certified staff through attrition.  Superintendent Terry Brenner says it’s not an easy decision to make – but the district needs to increase revenues and decrease expenditures.  “We’ve looked at our finances over the next five years and it’s pretty grim.”

Board member Doug Carpenter says this is a first step as the ultimate goal is to trim 10% of the budget – or 10.8 million dollars.  He says that means more hard decisions next year unless the board asks taxpayers for additional money and that’s unlikely given the pending referendum and building fund ask.  “As much as everyone loves education…as much as everyone loves our teachers and administrators…we have to make these difficult cuts.”

The board voted in favor of the reductions on a six to three vote.