GFPS Regular School Board Meeting (February 23rd, 2026)

The Grand Forks Public School Board held a regular meeting on February 23, 2026, focusing heavily on budget realignment and personnel reductions. The board discussed a $4.4 million budget cut plan that includes a reduction of 16 full-time equivalent (FTE) certified positions, with 6.5 FTE cuts proposed in the K-12 music education department. This disproportionate impact on music staff sparked extensive public comment from students, parents, and teachers advocating to preserve music programs, citing their educational and community value. The board debated the reduction in force (RIF) rubric used to determine staff cuts, with concerns raised about transparency, policy alignment, and fairness. An amendment was passed to reduce music teacher cuts from 6.5 to 4.5 FTE, preserving the fourth-grade orchestra program. Additionally, the board approved safety and security enhancements at Viking Elementary and a flooring project at Winship School, both funded through bond issues. Other actions included reducing high school physical education and speech graduation credit requirements and adopting a new elementary reading curriculum. The meeting reflected a challenging balance between fiscal responsibility and maintaining educational programs.