 The Brainerd School District is ending this year with a budget deficit of $253,000 in its unassigned fund. The school board received a projected budget for the 2017-2018 school year. The deficit spending could leave a fund balance of more than $6 million at the end of the school year. The district will cut costs through resignations and retirements which will save it about $330,000. Budget includes staff cuts, the loss of early out days, increase of health insurance premium, and the district's self-insurance fund. 80% of our budget involves people. So any time that we have to take measures in order to balance our budget, it's really difficult to do that on 20% of our budget that doesn't include people. The board, I should say, will start budgeting for the following school year this December. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.