ANOKA, Minn. — For the first time Tuesday, the Anoka-Hennepin school board members who are threatening to hold up the district's budget spoke out at a planned work session.
The board members started to address a laundry list of grievances first brought forth by treasurer Matt Audette, who says he can't support the 2024-25 budget because it funds gender and identity programs.
By law, the board has to pass a budget by July 1st and the delay is already putting summer programs in limbo.
"I hope we can go forward from here," said kindergarten teacher Heidi Bahauddin, who was part of the crowd that attended the work session. "I can't believe where we are right now, honestly."
The board has six members and in a lengthy Facebook post, Audette said he, Linda Hoekman and Zach Arco can't vote for the budget until several policies and practices come to an end. The district, though, cites several laws that require it include some of the programs he objects to that also include any idea of equity and anti-racism, social-emotional learning, sharing pronouns and any displays other than the American flag.
"I've heard from thousands of people who feel the same way," said Audette. "We need to have neutral, politically-neutral, ideas unifying, uplifting programs."
The delay, though, is already impacting summer programs, including Adventures Plus child care that serves 2,100 families. They have a May 1 deadline to withdraw from the program. The summer child nutrition meals program is also in jeopardy. The group running that also has one week left to hire staff and order supplies or it may reduce or not offer the program at all.
The district is in the process of developing a contingency plan, calling Audette's list of issues an impossible timeline to manage on deadline. If the budget doesn't pass, it will be unlike anything that has happened in the state before.
"These are transformative changes we're talking about and that's why they deserve very complex conversations," said board member Michelle Langenfeld.
"I am quite confident that every single board member wants every student in the district to be included and have access to all the same opportunities," said board co-chair Zach Arco, adding the board will follow the law and that it has no desire to eliminate student groups and clubs.
At the work session, Arco reiterated that no decisions have been made. But they do have a lot of work ahead - especially because the district also has to reduce its budget by $26 million over the next two years.
"I hope we can go forward from here," said Bahauddin. "I hope that this isn’t a standoff."
RELATED: Anoka-Hennepin school district's budget in limbo after board member threatens to not support it
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