The Bemidji School Board discussed their financial shortfalls during their meeting Monday.
Financial staff advised that Bemidji Area Schools are projected to begin the 2021-22 school year with a negative fund balance to the tune of $2.6 million.
The operating referendum, which was hoped to relieve some of this shortfall, was rejected by voters this year.
These projections are based on no new legislation or increased enrollment.
Two-hundred-and-eighty fewer students enrolled in Bemidji this year, and much of the state and federal funding for districts is based on a per-pupil model.
Staff will present proposed program reductions and cuts in the coming months.
