PLSAS Staff and Families,

Following the outcome of the recent operating levy vote, we understand there are many questions about what comes next. The levy was designed to provide critical long-term support for sustaining and enhancing district operations, and we are now focused on planning for multi-year budget reductions to address the financial challenges ahead.

To address these challenges, our administrative team is reviewing costs associated with areas identified during the levy information campaign as potential reductions. Our goal is to implement the necessary budget reductions, totaling $4–5 million, for the 2025–26 school year. This follows the approximately $4 million in reductions already made for the 2024–25 school year.

The following budget reduction areas under consideration include (but not limited to):

• Closing one or more elementary schools resulting in boundary changes.
• Increase in class sizes.
• Reduction in staffing and personnel expenditures across the district resulting in reduced services and student supports.
• Move MNCAPS to a district facility.
• Reduce programs for students including:
• Limit Spanish Immersion to K-5 only
• Reduce secondary electives
• Reduce Laker Online staffing
• Eliminate middle school activities
• Eliminate MNCAPS pathway(s)
• Reduce student access to educational technology.
• Increase fees for community facility use.
• Close pool at Twin Oaks.

Last night, the School Board reviewed these reductions and confirmed that all options remain under consideration. If an elementary school closure is pursued, it would potentially take place for the 2026–27 school year. This allows time for required notifications to the Minnesota Department of Education, cost analysis and planning for elementary boundary changes.

Additional considerations include potentially moving the MN Center for Advanced Professional Studies (MNCAPS) program to Prior Lake High School and closing or repurposing the District Services Center, with staff relocated to a school building(s).

Timeline and Next Steps

• More than 40 representatives from teacher and support-staff groups have contributed additional ideas. Key themes from these discussions will be presented to the School Board on December 9, along with budget reduction cost models.
• After reviewing this information, the Board will convene at a newly added study session, prior to winter break, to provide further direction.
• Monthly updates on the budget process will be shared during future Board meetings, leading up to a final decision on the 2025-26 budget this June.

Looking Ahead

As a reminder our School Finance 101 web pages are available to help our community better understand the complexities of school finance. We continuously update the content to ensure it remains a reliable resource, especially as we enter a budget-reduction process.

Like many districts facing these challenges, we know these decisions are incredibly difficult and have far-reaching impacts on our students, staff and families. Our focus remains on making thoughtful and informed choices while preserving as much as possible to support student success.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we navigate these difficult decisions.

Yours in partnership,

Dr. Michael Thomas

Superintendent