Luverne School Board members, staff and administration spent their Valentine's Day evening in a disheartening meeting about district finances.
If Gov. Jesse Ventura's education budget is passed this session, districts like Luverne will get very little help from the state.
According to information from the Department of Children Families and Learning, Luverne would receive a meager 1 percent increase in per pupil aid next year.
That compares with a 5-percent increase last year and a 6-percent increase the year before.
In a time of increasing costs due to crippling heating bills, special education demands and rising insurance premiums the governor's plan translates to hefty losses for small school districts.
According to District Financial Officer Marlene Mann, if the legislative budget passes as proposed, Luverne will see a reducation of $300,000 over the next two years.
Board members, teachers, staff and administrators were called together Feb. 14 for a crash course in district finances and possible outcomes of the legislative session.
"We just wanted to bring everyone on board and let them know what the situation is," said Board Chair Don Bryan.
"If our enrollment projections are true, we could see a slight decline in enrollment, less money from the state and increased expenses. That's definitely not a good formula."
Another proposal reportedly under consideration calls for a 7-percent increase in per pupil aid. Also, there is a legislative proposal to consider funding all day every day kindergarten.
If these two options materialize, prayers would be answered, but districts won't know the outcome in time to plan a budget.
"We try to have a preliminary budget proposal in March, but we may not have anything from the state until May. It's really a difficult thing," Bryan said.
"There's going to be more money allowed than the governor's plan calls for, but we can only budget for what's in place now, and thatÕs going to be very difficult."
Bryan said WednesdayÕs meeting wasn't about which school services would be on the chopping block. Rather, the point was to get everyone thinking about possible scenarios.
"Everyone's concerned, obviously, that there's not going to be enough money to fund everything we have now," Bryan said.
"Everyone has ideas and plans, and we're just hoping to convince legislators to come through for us. ...We're hoping to have everyone pulling for the same thing - whatÕs good for the kids."
State Rep. Richard Mulder can be reached at 515 State Office Bldg., St. Paul, MN 55155. Phone: 651-296-4336. E-mail: rep.richardmulder@house.leg.state.mn.us.
State Sen. Arlene Lesewski can be reached at 131 State Office Bldg., St. Paul, MN 55155. Phone: 651-296-4125. E-mail: sen.arlene.lesewski @senate.leg.state.mn.us.