Our Challenges

We Can’t Maintain Excellence With Ongoing Cuts

We’ve worked hard to manage our budget responsibly—stretching every dollar and making tough choices to protect programs and services.

But the reality is clear:

  • State funding hasn’t kept pace with inflation or rising education costs for 20 years.

  • Unlike 70% of Minnesota school districts, we don’t have an operating levy, leaving us at a disadvantage.

  • Costly, unfunded government mandates continue to strain our resources.

Three young, female students working on a project together.

Over the past two years, we’ve made more than $1 million in cuts, including:

  • Eliminating classroom teachers and support staff positions.

  • Reducing academic and elective offerings, field trips, and instructional supplies.

  • Cutting student support services such as counseling and family service positions.

  • Reducing or eliminating funding for junior high athletics and other extracurriculars.

Students smiling outdoors.

Even after these cuts, we still face a $1 million annual deficit—expected to grow to $1.5 million in five years. Without new funding, we will need to make deeper cuts in the years ahead that will directly impact learning and limit opportunities for our students.

On August 25, 2025, the Crosby-Ironton School Board approved a plan for significant budget reductions, if the referendum is not approved by district voters. Learn more about these reductions on the Plan Page.