(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by St. Cloud School District.)

Executive Director of Finance and Business Services Amy Skaalerud presented the preliminary budget for the 23-24 school year to the St. Cloud Area Board of Education at its regularly scheduled work session this evening.

The District is projecting an ending unrestricted fund balance in the general fund of $17.9 million, which represents approximately 11.3% of general fund expenditures, above the minimum fund balance set by Board policy. The District’s general fund is budgeted at a surplus of $44,475. This fund accounts for all of the instructional operating costs for the District.

In a video-recorded statement to families and staff, Superintendent Laurie Putnam announced the District’s fiscal priorities for the 23-24 school year as: lower class sizes, maintaining mental health supports, safe schools, and additional staff and support for special education. She thanked everyone who provided input and collaboration through surveys, listening sessions and committee participation.

“We believe that these investments in our students and staff will help us continue to provide the high-quality education that our community expects and deserves,” Putnam said.

School board meetings are livestreamed and can be found on the District’s YouTube channel at: YouTube.com/user/District742.

For further information on board meetings, go to the District 742 website at: ISD742.org/Page/9151.