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Dear Saint Paul Public Schools Community:
I am pleased to share that the budget for fiscal year 2025 (FY25) has been approved by the Board of Education. This budget reflects the priorities set out in our strategic plan, maximizes programs that are having a positive impact on student achievement, and aligns with the community values and instructional priority that you identified as part of this yearlong budget process.
The FY25 budget reflects the priorities and values of the students, families and staff we serve. Specifically, this budget includes investments that:
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increase our school communities’ sense of belonging and feeling of safety
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ensure students are respected and reflected in their curriculum and classrooms
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prioritize literacy and students’ ability to read at or above grade level
In total, this budget includes $707.5 million in general fund expenses, a decrease of $114.6 million from FY24. This decrease is necessary to address an originally projected shortfall of $150.3 million. The majority of this shortfall is due to the expiration of American Rescue Plan (ARP) federal funding in September 2024. Other factors include the state funding formula, employee wages and benefits, inflation, student enrollment, and a continued commitment to providing opportunities that best meet the needs of each student.
In FY25, the district’s general fund expenses will exceed our revenues by $37 million. By withdrawing this amount from the district’s reserves, we will help ensure our students, families and staff continue to receive the services they need as ARP funds expire, putting us in the best position possible for a successful 2024-25 school year.
As we reflect on this school year and look forward to the next one, I am proud and optimistic about the future of Saint Paul Public Schools. Reducing our expenses has required making many difficult decisions that I do not take for granted. While acknowledging these challenges, I am confident that this budget will allow SPPS to adapt and innovate, and to uphold our mission of inspiring all students to think critically, pursue their dreams and change the world.
Thank you for your engagement, input and commitment to Saint Paul Public Schools. For more information about next year’s budget, please visit our website at spps.org/fy25budget. I hope you have a great summer and look forward to seeing many of you in September.
In partnership,
John Thein, Interim Superintendent