Brainerd School Board to Discuss Membership in Paul Bunyan Education Co-op

The board will hold a workshop to review the co-op's audit and consider options for the district's involvement.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Brainerd School Board will meet for a workshop on Tuesday, February 17th to discuss the district's membership in the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative. The topic was originally scheduled to be discussed at the board's regular February meeting but was pulled from the agenda. Board member John Ward expressed concerns about the potential impact on students with special needs if the district were to withdraw from the co-op.

Why it matters

The Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative provides services for students with disabilities, and Brainerd serves as the fiscal host for the organization. Any changes to the district's involvement could have significant ramifications for special education programming and staffing.

The details

The Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative is made up of eight school districts, including Brainerd, Aitkin, Crosby, Crosslake, Discovery Woods, Pequot Lakes, Pillager, and Pine River-Backus. The board recently received an audit of the co-op, which prompted discussions about potential ways to generate more revenue or restructure the organization. While a resolution to withdraw from the co-op was initially on the agenda, the board decided to hold off on that decision until the upcoming workshop.

  • The Brainerd School Board will meet for a workshop at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The board originally scheduled the discussion about the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative for its regular February meeting, but it was pulled from the agenda.

The players

Brainerd School Board

The governing body of the Brainerd School District, which is a member of the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative.

John Ward

A Brainerd School Board member who serves as the district's delegate to the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative. He expressed concerns about the potential impact of withdrawing from the co-op on students with special needs.

DJ Dondelinger

A Brainerd School Board member who disagreed with Ward's assessment of the situation.

Sarah Speer

The Brainerd School Board Chair, who called for everyone to take a breath during the heated discussion about the co-op.

Peter Grant

The Brainerd School District Superintendent, who said he would prefer not to comment on the measure until after the board's workshop.

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What they’re saying

“'You're talking about ramifications for a school district for years and years and years. And you're talking about ramifications for students with special needs; you're talking about ramifications for staff, for special education.'”

— John Ward, Brainerd School Board Member (Brainerd Dispatch)

“'This is my meeting, too, John.'”

— DJ Dondelinger, Brainerd School Board Member (Brainerd Dispatch)

“'I know we're really passionate about this topic, and I'm glad that we are. It feels good that we're thinking about kids and talking about kids and being passionate about kids. … And, John, thank you for sharing what's been on your mind. I appreciate that.'”

— Sarah Speer, Brainerd School Board Chair (Brainerd Dispatch)

What’s next

The Brainerd School Board has scheduled a workshop for Tuesday, February 17th to further discuss the district's membership in the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative and review the recent audit of the co-op. The board will also consider a legislative bill that would allow the district to transfer funds from its building construction fund to help cover a projected budget deficit.

The takeaway

The Brainerd School Board's discussion about the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative highlights the complex and sensitive nature of decisions around special education services and funding. The board is taking a thoughtful approach, seeking to understand the financial and programmatic implications before making any changes that could significantly impact students with special needs.