# November 12, 2026 Committee of the Whole Meeting (final 31 minutes)


**Body:** Duluth Public Schools
**Date:** November 11, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Education, Grants & Funding


The November 12, 2026 Duluth Public Schools Committee of the Whole meeting reviewed progress on achievement and integration goals, then focused on the post-referendum budget outlook and planned reductions. The district said the referendum passed with more than 60% support on both questions, but it still expects about $5 million in ongoing reductions, plus a possible $1.7 million decrease in compensatory education funding, for an estimated $6.7 million impact. Planned reductions, before the compensatory-funding impact is known, include about $1.45 million at the district level, $2 million at secondary schools, and $1.46 million at elementary schools. Officials said district-office reductions across the current and next year would exceed 30%, while school-site reductions would be approximately 5–6%. The district expects referendum revenue to add back $7.3 million in FY2029 and $11.7 million in FY2030.

Officials presented a draft guiding-change document emphasizing systemwide priorities, student needs, community input, fiscal accountability, and efforts to avoid statutory operating debt. They aim to bring reduction recommendations to the board by January and adopt a balanced 2027–28 budget by June 30; budget forecasts and revisions will continue in the coming months. The district also reported that its audit is underway, with submission to the Minnesota Department of Education expected by November 30, and that auditors and MDE approved moving certain funds into the general fund. Grant opportunities were mentioned as a possible source of funding. No contract awards, vendor selections, or other procurement actions were identified.

**Source:** Duluth Public Schools