School Board Work Session 4-1-26

The Sioux Falls School District held a School Board Work Session on April 1, 2026, focusing primarily on budget considerations for the fiscal year 2027. Key procurement-related discussions included proposals to reduce elementary class sizes by adding additional teachers funded through both Title I dollars and the general fund, with specific budget impacts of approximately $258,000 and $344,000 respectively. The board also reviewed staff salary increase options, debating a negotiated 1.95% raise versus a recommended 2.54% increase aligned with inflation, with considerations of potential funding from the state legislature. Additionally, the board discussed reducing the property tax opt-out amount from $12.5 million to $11 million to reflect responsible fiscal management. The session included detailed analysis of budget reductions totaling around $5 million over two years and the impact of efficiency savings. Policy changes related to open enrollment caps were also proposed to support class size management. Final budget decisions and approvals were scheduled for the upcoming board meeting on April 13, 2026.