Willmar Public Schools has growing needs not fully covered by state funding and may turn to the voters for help this fall. The School Board discussed it this week but hasn't made a decision.
Falling enrollment has led to the need to reduce the budget for the 2023-24 school year. Enrollment fell at the beginning of the pandemic, rebounded a bit in 2021-22 and has fallen again this year.
Studies have found school enrollment shifts from metro cities to suburbs of the Twin Cities and from rural regional centers to smaller nearby districts. Reasons vary widely for families choosing to switch districts.
Falling enrollment and the end of pandemic relief funds have resulted in a need for budget cuts at Willmar Public Schools. A community task force will have a hand in making the recommendations.