Brainerd schools face cuts after $5 million annual levy fails

Brainerd Public Schools is weighing school closures and layoffs after voters rejected a tax levy and district leaders warned of a growing budget deficit.

Parents and students packed the stands in Brainerd for Friday night football against Sartell while concerns grow over the district’s finances. 

District leaders said the shortfall is more than $3 million and possible cuts were discussed at a school board meeting.

“I’m not sure what leads a school district to have such issues, but yeah, I mean I think that would be a hard, a bitter pill to swallow,” said Leaf Plested, a Brainerd resident.

Superintendent Chip Rankin said the district is at a turning point as it weighs major cuts. 

He said options on the table include closing two elementary schools and an alternative school, moving students, and cutting 38 positions.

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