Fridley Public Schools Board Meeting - March 2026

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Areas of Interest (5)

Fidley Public Schools grappling with an $8.3 million negative fund balance amid statutory operating debt recovery.
Superintendent attributes high student participation in activities to the strategic move of waiving activity fees.
District leaders cite the impact of 'ICE Metro Surge' and compensatory revenue changes on fiscal stability.
Shift in strategy to 'setting 4' in-district programming helps reduce tuition costs paid to intermediate school districts.
Federal grant uncertainty and underfunding of special education requirements complicate long-term revenue diversification.

Approve agenda

PassedVoice vote

Moved by Jones · Seconded by Anna

Participation in esport by at least 5 to 10 student athletes each.
— Justin Ree

Winter ActivitiesReporting on increased participation

The waiving of activity fees. Okay. A huge part of that.
— Dr. Brenda Lewis

Budget/ActivitiesExplaining the increase in student enrollment in activities

Minnesota Department of Education will consistently tell us, please do not have your SOD on the backs of students.
— Dr. Brenda Lewis

FinanceDiscussing the statutory operating debt strategy

Dr. Brenda LewisSuperintendent

Leading superintendent reports and financial discussions

Justin ReeActivities Director

Presented winter activity participation upticks

Allison MartinHigh School Student

Presented winter sports recap and athletic achievements

Alex JohnsonHigh School Student

Presented winter sports recap and athletic achievements

CaraSchool Board Chair

Led the meeting and discussed capital advocacy

JonesSchool Board Member

Moved to approve the agenda

AnnaSchool Board Treasurer

Seconded agenda approval

Fidley Public SchoolsFidley High SchoolMinnesota State CapitolJackie Robinson Complex

Meeting Date: 7:30 PM
Minnesota School Boards Association/MASA Day at the Capitol: One week prior to the meeting