Superintendent: reduced federal funding for East Bethel water‑treatment project will affect scope; district reports roughly $300,000 in costs from recent school

Superintendent Mr. Anderson told the St. Francis Area Schools board on June 8 that the city of East Bethel learned its federal allotment for a water‑treatment plant project was reduced “from 3 million to 1 million,” leaving the city with $3 million in state funding and $1 million in federal funds and likely requiring changes to project scope or staging.

“[We] will be communicating with them on a regular basis to learn how that's going to unfold,” Mr. Anderson said, noting the district is coordinating with the city and elected officials about potential impacts on two nearby elementary schools.

Mr. Anderson also updated the board on personnel work tied to the district’s recent closures of two programs or facilities. He said administrators, led by Mr. Nelson, have been placing affected staff in open positions and that, as a result of reassignments and using more experienced teachers, the district has incurred about $300,000 in additional costs to date. He said that amount is being factored into a budget the district will present at the board’s second June meeting.

Board members asked follow‑up questions about reopening timelines for Crossroads East; Mr. Anderson said staff rehiring and training would be required and that a potential reopening could happen in early July but was not certain.

These items were presented as part of the superintendent’s informational report and did not require board action at the meeting.