GF school cuts scaled back

It appears as if potential cuts in the Grand Forks School District budget may not be as severe as first discussed.

A memo from Superintendent Terry Brenner to staff this week suggests after a series of stakeholder meetings the district will proceed with secondary music education as it currently is with the exception of one retiring position.

Other recommendations include keeping German courses and GAPP program. The Middle and High School Library Media Center will have paraprofessional support at 50% of the current allocation.

The district had considered cuts in all those area as it works to achieve a 15% general fund balance. Public opposition prompted several school board members to suggest that level be reduced to soften the blow.

Superintendent Terry Brenner says the target is still 15% by 2026.  He says an overall reduction of 5% continues to be a goal based on current budget realignment work.

Final budget approval won’t occur until October.