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FY25 Budget Update - April 2024
Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) leaders and staff across the district have been meeting since last summer to create a budget for next year that is equitable, balanced, and reflects our community’s values. Through extensive engagement conducted in the spring and fall of 2023, we learned that our students, families, staff and community members value schools that are safe, respectful and reflect our students’ diverse cultures and learning needs. These values, as well as our instructional priority of literacy, have guided our decisions about next year’s budget.
When this process began last year, our anticipated budget shortfall was approximately $150 million. Since then, we have worked to identify cost savings and budget reductions of approximately $130.6 million. See the charts below for an overview of the reductions identified to date and some of the changes that families and staff will see in schools and programs next year.
Budget Reduction Target for Fiscal Year 2025
(Running Total as of April 3, 2024)
At this time, SPPS has $19.7 million left to reduce to reach a balanced budget for fiscal year 2025 (FY25). The district may use some of its remaining fund balance to fill this budget gap. The FY25 budget has to be approved by the Board of Education in June.
Sample Changes to Schools and Programs for 2024-25
For more information about programs that were previously identified to continue or stop next year, please refer to the February and March FY25 budget updates. You can also review the April 3 Committee of the Board presentation and audio recording for more detail and discussion.
It’s important to know that these budget reductions mean the loss of programs and staff at both the school and district level. While we wish these cuts were not necessary, we remain focused on reaching a balanced budget that serves our students and upholds our mission of inspiring students to think critically, pursue their dreams, and change the world.
School Budget Information Meetings
We will continue to keep you up to date on the FY25 budget via email, on the FY25 budget website and through Board of Education meetings. In addition, families should watch for information from their school about upcoming budget meetings taking place in April and May. These meetings are designed to inform members of each school community about their school’s budget and staffing changes for next year.
Previous budget updates and other information can be found at spps.org/fy25budget. You can also use the FY25 Budget Feedback form to submit comments or questions that may be added to the FAQ on this website.