How Community Feedback Is Shaping Benson Schools’ Budget Decisions

Earlier this spring, Benson Public Schools asked families, staff, and community members to share their perspectives through a district-wide budget survey following the failed referendum. With 241 responses, the district gained valuable insight into what the community values most as the district faces difficult financial decisions.
Since that time, the district has been working through a structured process to build a preliminary budget for the 2026–27 school year, one that reflects both financial realities and community priorities.

On April 13, preliminary budget recommendations were presented to the full School Board for initial review...Survey results made several priorities clear: protect student learning, maintain strong classroom experiences, and prioritize resources that directly impact students.

Key Budget Adjustments:

Activities Director: estimated savings of $79,160.

Director of Teaching and Learning: position will be eliminated. Estimated savings of $116,249.

PE staffing: estimated savings of $65,726.

School Psychologist: estimated savings of $31,297.

School Resource Officer: estimated savings of $25,370.

Additional cost-saving measures: estimated savings of $20,000.

Additional ag time will be added to the existing agriculture position to bring it from part time to full time, at a cost of $23,052.

These adjustments result in a total estimated reduction of $291,698.

 The district is now approaching a point where future reductions will likely impact class sizes and limit course and program offerings, making it increasingly challenging to maintain the current student experience...For now, the focus remains on thoughtful, transparent decision-making; grounded in community input, guided by student needs, and responsive to the financial challenges facing the district.

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