Fridley Schools Pledges Public Answers on Finances as Audit Looms
District leaders presented a comprehensive financial update in a recorded work session and promised written responses to community questions amid enrollment losses and state funding pressures.
Fridley Public Schools leaders presented a comprehensive financial update during a work session preceding this week's school board meeting and pledged to post written answers to community questions online, as the district awaits the results of its annual audit.
Superintendent Dr. Lewis led the financial discussion and told board members the district would respond directly to residents who have raised questions about district finances during public comment periods. The work session was recorded, and administrators said responses would be published so that residents who did not attend could review them.
The update came as board members acknowledged frustration within the community over the pace of financial answers, while expressing support for the administration's work ahead of the audit's completion.
I have a high level of confidence in Dr. Lewis and our finance team to get us to where we need to be. It's just going to unfortunately take some time.
Enrollment decline adds pressure
The financial picture is complicated by enrollment losses. In her first presentation to the board, district staff member Caitlin reported that enrollment across the district's four brick-and-mortar schools fell by 56 students between the October 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026 counts.
October 1st is a big deal in school districts. Um that's what the state uses as our enrollment count.
Enrollment decreased by about 56 students from October 1st last school year to October 1st this school year... that's a 2.13% decrease.
Other Topics from This Document
Superintendent's report: Costa Rica student trip funded by In-N-Out
Three Freedom High School seniors—Julian, Audrey, Jacqueline—described a 9-day Costa Rica service trip funded by In-N-Out, the district's construction oversight firm led by Matt Kiefer. Projects included school rebuilding, beach cleanup, releasing sea turtles (D1).
Enrollment update (October 1 count)
Caitlin reported enrollment across four brick-and-mortar schools fell 56 students (2.13%) from Oct 1, 2025 to Oct 1, 2026. Hayes rose 13 to 471; Hayes+Stevenson at 960. FPS Online Academy serves 56; Vista sites grew from 25 to 37 (D1).
Blue Ribbon Commission on Special Education / $250M state cuts
Commission's top recommendation is repealing the $250M special education cut mandated beginning with the 2029 biennium. Fridley impacts: $707,114 early intervention aid assist and $644,875 transportation reimbursement, totaling ~$1.35M (D1).
Tax increment financing (TIF) impact on school districts
Captured tax capacity in City of Fridley totals $5,938,150 across 203 TIF parcels: Fridley Schools $3,058,715 (56 parcels), Columbia Heights $2,574,915 (17), Spring Lake Park $270,785 (120), Anoka-Hennepin $33,735 (10), payable 2026 (D1).
Stevenson Elementary Full Service Community Schools grant
Stevenson won a $490,000 federal Full Service Community Schools grant after repeated applications; funds a coordinator, tutoring, after-school programs, on-site medical/dental/mental health, transportation and shared governance (D1).
Achievement and Integration plan update
Dr. Cochran reported on the 2022-2025 plan: MCA reading goal (Hispanic students 22%→31%) not comparable due to state test re-norming; integration composite reached 3.404 overall but American Indian students at 2.75; teacher-pipeline class grew 0→14, short of 20 (D1).
CTE, concurrent enrollment and internship programs
District expanded CTE pathways and Genesis Works paid internships; teaching course offers Anoka Ramsey Community College credit and a 30-hour classroom field experience. Participation numbers to be provided (D1).
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