St. Paul school leaders plan to vote Tuesday on whether or not to pursue midyear layoffs as Saint Paul Public Schools deals with declining enrollment as a result of Operation Metro Surge, ongoing immigration policies, and a decline in families settling down in the area.
More than a dozen teachers who work with English Learners could lose their jobs when the second quarter begins on November 13. In a presentation prior to Tuesday's vote, district leaders noted that at least 53 sites would be impacted due to the "contractual rules" around layoffs and seniority.
"In order to maintain a balanced FY27 budget and minimum 5% fund balance and align our staffing with our 2026-27 student enrollment, the District will reduce 18.5 FTE of English Learner teachers and reassign the contractually required number teachers to provide EL services to every student who is identified to receive those services. In addition, the district will not fill any vacant positions that are not contractually required or essential to daily operations."
In a letter shared Monday by the union representing teachers, the Saint Paul Federation of Educators Local 28 called the midyear layoffs "unprecedented" and cited several logistical concerns, unanswered questions, and contractual violations.
Tuesday's decision in St. Paul comes a week after Minneapolis Public Schools scrapped plans to close up to 16 schools to address budget and enrollment issues.
Instead, the MPS board approved a resolution focused on enrollment, growth strategies, early childhood enrollment, school choice assignment policies and procedures, and school start and end times. Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams said that while enrollment and budget issues wouldn't be going away, community concerns were a major factor behind her decision to halt the closures.
Tuesday's St. Paul school board meeting gets underway at 5:30 p.m.
Board members will vote Tuesday evening
Board members will vote Tuesday evening
