The Edina Public Schools Board approved a preliminary $165 million budget for fiscal year 2026 Monday night while facing significant community pushback over proposed changes to special education staffing at Southview Middle School.

The budget approval came after more than 10 community members spoke during public comment, with most opposing a district pilot program that would split special education facilitator Whitney Brocka's position between Southview and Valley View middle schools. Parents and students argued the change would jeopardize Southview's nationally recognized Unified Program and potentially violate federal special education requirements.

The proposed staffing change would require Brocka to manage 324 IEP students across two buildings, effectively cutting services in half, according to speakers. Multiple parents cited Southview's status as Minnesota's only three-time National Special Olympics Unified Champion School and recipient of the 2024 Tom Oi Human Rights Award.

Despite the public concerns, the board proceeded with other business, approving the $165 million general fund budget that maintains current programming without cost reductions. Finance Director Mert Woodard said the district's financial position has stabilized after $7.6 million in cost containments over the past two years, with the unassigned fund balance projected at 8.9 percent. The board also approved the district's assessment plan for 2025-2027 and multiple policy updates. The meeting concluded without board response to the special education concerns, following district policy that limits board comments during public input sessions.