Why does the MPS need to cut anything? The bonding referendum we approved last November replaced a previous referendum, plus inflation, plus a little (if I remember Ms. Farmer's presentation correctly). Every funding proposal I have heard from the state legislature is giving them as much cash as the last biennium, plus a little. So where is the extra cash going?
How much is the MPS getting from the state this year?
How much does the MPS expect to get next year?
Is there something else in the funding formula that has changed?
Rich Chandler - Ward 9
-----Original Message-----
From: Debbie Urbanski [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2001 9:10 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: [Mpls] MPS announces budget cuts
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
