The Stillwater School Board approved a preliminary budget totaling $269.9 million in revenue for fiscal year 2025-26 during its June 17 meeting, despite facing a $739,000 reduction in state funding from the recent legislative session.

Superintendent Dr. Funk reported that while the district initially expected a 2.74% increase in general fund revenue based on February projections, legislative changes reduced the actual increase to 1.62%. The cuts included reductions in compensatory revenue ($167,000), student support personnel aid ($168,000), and school library aid ($52,000).

"The administrative team is still trying to figure out how much of that $739,000 we're going to have to cut," Dr. Funk told the board. He indicated the administration would return in July with a budget revision addressing the shortfall.

The board also heard a comprehensive report from Stillwater Area High School Principal Rob Bach, who highlighted the school's 99% graduation rate with only five students out of nearly 650 seniors failing to graduate. Bach outlined challenges including increased online course enrollment, which jumped from 80 students in fall semester to 217 in spring, prompting the district to develop in-house online courses.

During public comment, community members raised concerns about curriculum transparency and democratic processes in policy development. The meeting began with recognition of the boys track team for winning their fourth state True Team Championship since 1997.