Those investments are balanced by reductions that come largely as a result of projected enrollment declines in our schools. The projected loss of some 1,300 students for the next school year would mean the need for fewer teachers. And, because many long-time teachers took advantage of early retirement programs, MPS salary costs also are reduced. Other reductions are the result of external and sometimes political decisions – such as fewer English Learner students due to stricter immigration policies, and fewer families reporting the need for educational benefits.
MPS is able to offset some of those budget reductions with dollars from the federal government designed to cover expenses related to COVID, as well as savings from distance learning and telework for much of the school year. Additionally, MPS has successfully met Board of Education policy requiring that 8.1% of its operating budget be held in its Unassigned Fund Balance for one-time emergency circumstances, a building block of a financially healthy school district.
There are many ways to learn about how Minneapolis Public Schools funds its schools and departments. Our best decisions are made with significant input from stakeholders. Please take the time to talk, listen, learn and ask questions.