Board Action Update (June 20, 2023)

Tonight, the Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) Board of Education approved the district’s budget for the 2024 fiscal year in a 6-1 vote. Effective July 1, the budget will exceed $1 billion for the first time ($1,020,835,728), due in large part to increased state aid and remaining federal COVID relief funds. The district will balance the budget with $34.4 million in reserve funds while remaining above the required 5 percent fund balance.

The Board also approved the new name for Txuj Ci HMong Language and Culture Lower Campus, formerly Phalen Lake Magnet Hmong Studies Magnet, and Txuj Ci HMong Language and Culture Upper Campus, formerly Hmong Language & Culture Middle School. The new name refers to “the cultural knowledge of a people” and was chosen in collaboration with students, staff and community members.

In addition, the Board unanimously approved increases to the district’s athletic fees, which have not changed since they were established in 1996. The increases will be phased in over the next two school years, and student athletes will not be turned away due to inability to pay. Lastly, the Board approved a revision to the Superintendent's contract that begins July 1, 2023.

The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, at 5:30 p.m.