October 16, 2024 | Stories and News from St. Louis Park Public Schools

Our district is committed to providing a rigorous education for each of our students. This year, we are facing a challenge of at least a 2 million dollar deficit for the upcoming school year due to some budget pressures. 

These cuts are not new to us, as significant reductions have been made over the years. Just a few years ago, for the 22-23 school year, we made nearly 5 million dollars in reductions and 3 million dollars again for the 23-24 school year. Over the years, we have looked at every dollar and option imaginable, and it included adjusting our practice for transportation, paraprofessionals and more. We know the significant impact this has, and it is important to understand that this financial shortfall will inevitably result in difficult cuts again next year.

State funding has not kept up with inflation: While the 2023 education bill provided a historic overall increase in funding, two critical funding streams continued to lose ground to inflation.

• Minnesota state’s per pupil funding formula: This formula determines the amount that schools are given from the state. The 2023 bill increased the formula by four percent for the school year 2023-24 and only two percent for 2024-25. That increase leaves the state’s per pupil funding formula $1,356 per student behind where it should be if it had kept pace with inflation.
• Local optional revenue: This funding stream, which can be used for school districts has been frozen since 2014. If it had kept pace with inflation, we would be receiving $182 more per student.

Birth rate decline: The birth rate in Minnesota has dropped, impacting most districts’ enrollment, including ours. In the last 15 years, enrollment remained steady and then began to decline, particularly following COVID. We are beginning to see a promising rebound in enrollment, but do not expect to return to pre-pandemic rates in the near future.

All of this leaves us at a significant disadvantage when it comes to meeting the current and future needs of our students. Had these two funding streams kept up with our costs, we would have an additional $6 million and would not even be engaging in conversations about making cuts. These funding streams currently provide about 41% of our general fund revenue budget.

We are looking at all of our options, and remain dedicated to our ongoing work. While we know that this is challenging, we encourage you to take action. Here are some steps you can take: 

• Find out more through the AMSD Election Guide and contact local elected leaders.
• Get involved with the Finance Advisory Committee
• Join us for the Budget Listening Session on October 22 at 5 p.m. in the Room 21, Central Community Center

These are challenging times, but it is important to give you the information you need to help us make positive change. Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding. Together, we can advocate for the support needed to ensure our students have the resources they deserve.

Come Park and Learn with us in the debut video of our series! Join K-2 Talent Development Teacher Kathryn Oberg and her students at Peter Hobart Elementary School as she guides young learners through the exciting world of Legos, robots, and coding. This STEAM-focused journey showcases how exploration and growth are sparked in an incredible learning environment tailored for K-2 students.

At St. Louis Park Public Schools, we are dedicated to creating the best learning environment for each student. One key tool we use to support this mission is our Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP).

Learn more about what a CIP is, why it matters, and what you can expect as we work together throughout the school year.

Across the district, students engaged in activities honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day. We stepped inside high school teacher Talia Williams’ classroom whose students were exploring an art gallery Talia created of various Indigenous cultures from around the world, including Hmong, Māori, Inuit, Maasai, Maya, and Dakota.

Ms. Williams, who is Cherokee, reflected on the importance of this day and how it impacts her teaching for that day. “I’m excited to teach Indigenous culture and history because when I went to school, we didn’t learn about Indigenous peoples.” 

Discover what all grade levels did in class on October 14!

SLP celebrated National School Lunch Week with delicious food prepared by both our nutrition services staff and our caregivers at home!

Check out this reel featuring some Aquila Elementary School students during lunch time!

Student safety on the road is a top priority at SLP Schools. National School Bus Safety Week, October 21-25, highlights the measures our bus and van drivers take to ensure all our students travel safely to and from school.

Our Park Adams drivers worked with students at each elementary school building earlier this month to provide education on safe boarding, exiting and behavior while on the bus.

To support safety, we remind the community to obey bus signals and traffic laws. We each have a collective responsibility to ensure our students can arrive to their learning environment safely. By staying alert and mindful of school buses on the road, you contribute to a safer school community.

Students who will be five years old by September 1, 2025, are invited to attend the Kindergarten Welcome!

Department and community leaders including the local library, school building Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTO's), Special Education, and many more will be joining to provide information. Principals will also be in attendance to answer questions during their presentations.

Come see how SLP will nurture your student's growth and share in their joy of discovery!

Saturday, November 2, 2024

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

St. Louis Park Middle School

2025 Texas Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55426

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6300 Walker St. | St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Phone: 952-928-6000 | Fax: 952-928-6020