This news release is also available online -
http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/new/news%20release/budget2.shtml
Minneapolis Public Schools announce budget reductions for 2001-02
May 1, 2001 � Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Carol Johnson
today presented details of budget reductions totaling $25 million. The
cuts include 130 district staff positions, 250 classroom teaching
positions and cuts to supplies and materials.
"House and Senate budget proposals do not contain necessary increases
for K-12 education. It is disappointing that despite a significant
statewide surplus, districts throughout the state are facing these
budget cuts," said Superintendent Carol Johnson.
In light of the shortfall, the district has discontinued approximately
250 first year probationary teachers. Each school has planned for a
projected 25 percent cut in per capita funding. Per capita represents
two percent of a school�s total budget. Overall, reductions in school
budgets total $6.5 million. Schools are currently completing their
2001-02 budgets and many may have additional cuts due to declining
student enrollment and the number of children in poverty who attend
their school.
Approximately 130 positions (representing several job classifications)
have been identified for elimination in central support services. Cuts
in district-wide central office services and staff total $18.5 million.
In November, Minneapolis citizens voted overwhelmingly to renew
referendum funds to maintain small class sizes. While school and
district budgets will be cut, the district is committed to its
referendum promise and current class sizes can and will be maintained.
"As we look for ways to streamline our budgets, we must realign our
resources to ensure they support our goals of enriching and accelerating
academic achievement, welcoming and engaging our stakeholders; and
implementing accountability systems," Johnson added.
Among the reductions are:
*Elimination of one Area Office; each remaining area superintendent will
supervise 32-33 schools
*Restructuring of Student, Family and Community Partnerships and
transfer responsibilities of this department including the Office of
Family Involvement
*Elimination of centralized technical support for computer network
*Elimination of one Area Welcome Center
Johnson noted that while administrators and school leadership councils
have worked diligently to ensure that cuts are kept as far away from
classrooms and students as possible, all schools will be affected by
these reductions. The Minneapolis School Board is scheduled to vote on
the 2001-02 budget on June 26.
--
Debbie Urbanski
Communications Department
612-668-0233
Minneapolis Public Schools. Expect Great Things.
http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us
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