ST. PAUL, Min. – The St. Paul Public Schools Board of Education approved a $1 billion budget for 2025 Tuesday evening.
The budget, which passed 6-1, includes more than $707.5 million in general fund spending, nearly $114.6 million less than last year due to the expiration of federal funding for the American Rescue Plan, district officials said.
The district also cites inflation, benefits and wages and the state’s funding formula as contributors to the projected $150.3 million deficit. Expenses this year will exceed the school’s revenue, estimated at $37 million.
“Reducing our spending has required us to make many difficult decisions that I do not take for granted,” said Interim Superintendent John Thein. “While I recognize these challenges, I am confident that this budget will enable SPPS to adapt and innovate, and maintain our mission of inspiring all students to think critically, pursue their dreams, and achieve the to change the world.
WCCO spoke with Katie Pekel in Aprilexecutive director of education at the University of Minnesota, on what the proposed cuts could mean for the district’s students, families and employees.
“I really believe our school districts are trying to keep the cuts away from the classrooms as much as possible, but you reach a point where the only way to make it work is to increase class sizes and cut back on teachers,” Pekel said . .
The district and the St. Paul Federation of Educators averted a strike in March with a contract agreement that increased licensed staff salaries by $3,500, in addition to a 4% raise for the next school year.
The next school board meeting is scheduled for July 16.
