October 24, 2026

By Delaney Otto | Grand Forks Herald
Photo by Eric Hylden / Grand Forks Herald

EAST GRAND FORKS — Northland Community and Technical College may see annual allocation cuts of approximately $550,000 as the Minnesota State system works to support other institutions dealing with financial struggles.

NCTC President Shari Olson said the funding transfer could last for four years, adding up to more than $2 million.

“We are strategically making cuts,” she said. “We started planning last year, and then into this year, so we’re working on cuts to at least meet that number.”

The Minnesota State system is facing a structural deficit of about $30 million in 2027 and has been discussing possible solutions.

Earlier this month, the Minnesota State Board of Trustees approved the second reading of a proposal to transfer up to $25 million annually for the next four years to schools facing financial crises, including St. Cloud State University and Bemidji State University.

Olson was planning to meet Friday, Oct. 23, with local legislators and Barry Wilfahrt, president and CEO of the Chamber of Grand Forks/East Grand Forks, to discuss the matter.

Olson wants to share information with the legislators about what’s happening within the system and answer questions so they can prepare for the next session.

“This is about sharing information and having a conversation, talking about questions,” she said. “They might talk about strategies — that’s their work — but I want to be available as a partner and make sure we provide excellent educational opportunities to the region we serve.”

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