–The Algona Community School District will reduce expenditures on staff by some $800,000 for the 2026-2027 school year as several open positions will not be filled. Superintendent Joe Carter says they have 8 teachers taking early retirement next year, and only 2 will be replaced.
Cater says lower enrollment numbers in some of the elementary grades lessens the impact of reducing staff levels.
The district saw a drop in certified enrollment of nearly 30 students this year, which was predicted when looking at the number of graduating seniors compared to those entering Kindergarten. Carter says they do not forecast such a steep decline next year.
The Cedar Rapids School District announced this week they would be cutting 20 teaching positions in a cost-saving move, as Carter says budget reductions are not simply an issue here as the 2% funding increase passed by the legislature will not cover increased costs.
The school board will host its first budget hearing the 2026-2027 budget at 5:00 PM on March 23rd. The board will then hold a second hearing and approve the budget during their regular meeting in April.
