Duluth Public Schools to make $5 million in Budgetary Adjustments for 2025-2026 School Year

Duluth Public Schools will need to make $5 million in necessary budgetary adjustments for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. These adjustments are in response to financial challenges, including the end of federal pandemic relief funding, inflation, new unfunded legislative mandates, and rising special education costs.

"These decisions are not made lightly," said Superintendent John Magas. "We understand the impact these adjustments may have, and we are committed to minimizing disruptions to our students' educational experience."

The district will reduce its overall budget by approximately $5 million. Key areas of reduction include:

• An 8% reduction in current school/site staffing budgets
  • $1 million at the elementary level
  • $1.35 million at the secondary level
• A 10% reduction in District Service Center staffing budgets ($1.1 million)
• A 3.5% reduction in the Special Education/Care and Treatment department budget ($1 million)

The district remains committed to transparency and open communication throughout this process. Superintendent Magas and Business Services Executive Director Simone Zunich have been holding staff meetings at each school and meetings with representatives from each bargaining group. 

"We value the input of our stakeholders and will continue to provide updates as we move forward," Magas said. "Our goal is to ensure a balanced budget while upholding our commitment to providing a high-quality education for all students."

For more information on the budget and budgeting process, please visit isd709.org/budget.