The Brainerd,  Minnesota School Board voted last Monday to mandate the administration to make $5.5 million in budget reductions.  The decisions need to be made by June 30, 2007 and will apply to the 2008-2009 school year.

The following are the divisions: 

• Transportation $180,000
• Closure of schools $500,000
• Athletics and activities $860,000
• Use of school facilities $300,000
• Class size and programs #3,660,000

The closure of Whittier and Lincoln elementary schools has already been decided.  Lincoln will then be housing the Minnesota Learning Center, now in the former Brainerd State Hospital.  Whittier's future is uncertain.

                                                                                                               photo by Conspirator
 

Open enrollment for the Brainerd School District will also close for the remainder of this year and possibly for next year as well.