Robbinsdale School Board Considers More Cuts to Address $21M Deficit
In the first Robbinsdale Area School Board meeting since about 200 employees were laid off, officials acknowledged the painful nature of budget cuts.
“I know that the lasts few months have been incredibly difficult for everyone — for students, families, teachers, staff and administrators,” said Board Chair Greta Evans-Becker. “I want to acknowledge that what you’ve been through is a horrible, horrible experience.”
The district has spent months grappling with a nearly $21 million deficit for the upcoming school year.
It was partly caused by an accounting error in which compensatory revenue was double-counted.
According to Superintendent Teri Staloch, inflation and unfunded mandates have added to the pressure on the district’s budget, as well as unrealized cuts from previous years.
Layoffs
Layoffs make up a significant portion of the effort to balance the budget.
Between $13 million and $15 million in school-based staffing cuts are planned for the upcoming year. That means about 182 certified staff members are expected to lose their jobs.
With the cuts, district officials expect to see larger class sizes. There will also be fewer counselors and media specialists in some schools.
At the elementary level, seven classes will have multiple age groups in an effort to cut costs.
In the first Robbinsdale Area School Board meeting since about 200 employees were let go, officials acknowledged the painful nature of budget cuts and layoffs.
Transportation, Start-Time Changes
Additional budget cuts and service changes are on the way.
The school board approved changes to school start times this week in an effort to streamline the transportation process.
Likewise, the board approved extending the distance for school walk zones. Students living within the walk zone won’t have bus transportation to their local school.
For elementary students, the walk zone was extended from a half-mile to eight-tenths of a mile. For middle schoolers, the zone was extended from seven-tenths of a mile to one mile.
The walk zone for high school students will remain at one mile.
Earlier this year, the district discontinued some of its busing for students that have open enrolled and live in Minneapolis.
The transportation changes are expected to provide about $728,000 in savings for the district.
Budget Not Balanced
District officials say the budget cuts planned for the upcoming school year still are not enough to balance the budget.
Total reductions are anticipated at $15.7 to $17.7 million, short of the larger $21 million deficit.
As debate on the budget process continues, Board Member ReNae Bowman said she trusts the district’s leaders to make the right decisions.
“It is a terrible thing that we are in this spot,” she said. “And I know for myself personally, I put myself on the line when I say, I support our superintendent, and I support our CFO.”
Meanwhile, Board Member Kim Holmes said she wants the board to have more input on the budget during work sessions.
“When we’re looking at increased classrooms, no counselors, you know, lack of a [multi-tiered system of supports] position, I have really, really grave concerns that we’re not supporting our students,” Holmes said.
District officials expect to finalize a budget for the district this summer.
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