St. Paul Schools: $1 Billion Budget Approved – 2026
- Paul Public Schools (SPPS) board of education has unanimously approved a $1 billion budget for the coming school year, navigating a significant $51.1 million budget shortfall.
- A large portion of the budget reductions, approximately 74% or $11.5 million, will come from central office departments.
- Jackie Turner, executive chief of administration and operations, noted that community and board member feedback emphasized minimizing impacts on individual schools.
St. Paul Public Schools approved a $1 billion budget for the upcoming school year, yet faces a $51.1 million shortfall, addressed by tapping reserves and budget cuts. Central office departments will absorb the majority of the reductions, impacting staffing, services, and overall operations. The board approved a November referendum aimed at securing additional revenue.The approved budget strategically maintains programs and services, despite challenges from static state funding and rising expenses. Explore how the district is navigating its financial landscape while striving too minimize disruption to individual schools.The budget includes funds for Early Childhood Family Education and student engagement, showcasing the district’s commitment to its students. news Directory 3 provides essential updates on this complex situation. Community input and board member feedback emphasized minimizing impacts on individual schools. Discover what’s next for the district and its efforts to ensure a lasting budget.
St. Paul Schools OK $1B Budget amid Shortfall,Cuts
Updated June 11,2025
The St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) board of education has unanimously approved a $1 billion budget for the coming school year, navigating a significant $51.1 million budget shortfall. The approved plan relies on tapping $35.5 million from reserve funds, coupled with $15.6 million in budget cuts and strategies for new revenue generation. Understanding the budget role is crucial for stakeholders.
A large portion of the budget reductions, approximately 74% or $11.5 million, will come from central office departments. These include areas such as Schools and Learning, administration and operations, financial services, human resources, equity, strategy, and innovation.These departments will see reductions in staffing, vendor services, contracts, travel, supplies, and overall service levels. The budget process reflects community input.
Jackie Turner, executive chief of administration and operations, noted that community and board member feedback emphasized minimizing impacts on individual schools. “And we heard that as, stay away from the schools as much as you can,” Turner said, adding, “And I believe that the budget you see tonight does all of those things.”
District officials stated that using the fund balance will help maintain programs and services. they attributed the shortfall to state funding failing to keep pace with inflation over the past two decades, along with rising expenses.They also acknowledged the potential need for future budget adjustments.
Referendum Plans
The board approved a resolution in may to prepare a November referendum recommendation aimed at securing additional district revenue. the specific ballot language is expected to be presented to the board in July. The results of this referendum, along with any changes in student enrollment, could necessitate further budget revisions, according to district officials.
Board member Uriah Ward expressed hope that community members would continue to voice thier concerns about the budget and spending. “But I do hope that folks in our community who had concerns about the budget and the way that we’re spending money, maybe there was something they cared about … that they will continue to speak to us if the concerns that they had bear out to be true,” Ward said.
While last year’s budget was approximately $1 billion, this year’s is about $8 million less. Board members have praised the increased transparency in this year’s budget process. District budget chief Tom Sager highlighted construction and debt service as key components, noting the capital projects fund stands at $118.9 million.
SPPS Superintendent Stacie Stanley indicated that additional revenue streams could include the proposed referendum and potential reductions in the district’s facilities portfolio. The approved budget includes $543,000 from the general fund to reinstate positions and programming in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE). Additionally, $60,000 was allocated for student engagement support.
What’s next
Looking ahead, the district will focus on preparing for the November referendum and monitoring enrollment figures to ensure the budget remains lasting. Further adjustments might potentially be necessary depending on these factors.