ST PAUL, Minnesota — The Saint Paul Public School District is grappling with a financial problem that is haunting a lot of public-school districts. At a recent board of education meeting, SPPS Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard announced their 2025 budget shortfall totaling over a $100 million.
When SPPS began the process last year, the anticipated budget shortfall was $150 million. Dr. Gothard said in his presentation to the board of education that they have worked on identifying cost-saving measures and budget reductions of $130.6 million.
"The fact remains that the cuts we are facing are larger than we have ever faced before," Dr. Gothard said.
The proposal includes making changes to school programs, reducing staff in several different departments including over a 100 teacher positions. SPPS reports student enrollment has been steady this year, but it's decreased by roughly 16% since 2014, meanwhile staffing levels have increased 2.3% over the same period. Dr. Gothard said at the board meeting that they've held off on reducing teachers since the pandemic hit.
"You will probably see more districts announcing budget reductions," Dr. Deb Henton, executive director of Minnesota Association of School Administrators said.
Dr. Henton said districts were given pandemic funding that is running out and the state funding is coming up short of what school districts report needing.
"These decisions will impact staff, will impact programs. And will be felt in every school and every department across the district," Dr. Gothard said. "We are also not alone in this. Over 70% of Minnesota schools are making historic cuts."
What's driving up the funding needs?
SPPS reports an increase in daily operation costs of their schools. The district also reports having increased salaries and higher costs of supplies and food served in cafeterias.
U.S. Labor Department data shows costs of groceries increased 10.2% in Feb. 2023 compared to 2022. Consumers are still feeling the pinch in their pockets today.
A tentative contract agreement was reached between Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) and its teachers less than one week before educators were set to strike in early March. Details haven't been made public, but teachers were demanding a spike in salaries.
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