Duluth Schools Superintendent: Budget reductions and realignment coming

John Magas

(Duluth Public Schools)

DULUTH, Minn. – In a letter to parents, Duluth Schools Superintendent John Magas said budget changes will be coming.

He wrote in the February 22, 2026, letter “some necessary budget reductions and realignment” will be happening.  Magas wrote that he will be discussing these issues in greater detail later in the week.

Magas wrote, “When it comes down to it, the state funding formulas for schools simply do not support schools in the way that they need to. When the funding for schools does not keep up with the costs, it means that reductions are almost always needed, year after year.”

Magas said one clear issue is special education funding.  He explained, “While the government mandates these services, they currently only fund a fraction of the cost (often as low as 15–20% at the federal level), leaving the local district to shoulder the rest.”

He ended the letter writing, “We promise to work together in transparency on these efforts and appreciate your advocacy with the state as well on these pressing issues.”