The Saint Paul school board voted unanimously Tuesday night to delay a vote focused on midyear layoffs that would affect 16 English learner teachers as the district faces a nearly $5 million budget shortfall.
Saint Paul Public Schools attributed the deficit to hundreds of immigrant students not returning to school following Operation Metro Surge. Superintendent Stacie Stanley said the district enrolled over 500 fewer English learners than expected this year.
"I certainly couldn't have imagined having to sit here tonight in a situation that wasn't created by my board, that wasn't created by the executive leadership team, and wasn't created by me," Stanley said. "It was created by Metro Surge."
The vote will now take place next week, no later than Oct. 30. During Tuesday's meeting, the board extended public comment after attendees began chanting "Let them speak" as board members attempted to wrap up the session.
"The board's plan today is to address a budget, but we will also need to answer to the law and the scrutiny that a hasty decision could bring," one speaker told the board.
On Monday, the Saint Paul Federation of Educators published a letter calling the midyear layoffs "unprecedented" and citing several logistical concerns, unanswered questions, and contractual violations.
If approved next week, the layoffs will take effect in late November.
District faces $5 million shortfall following Operation Metro Surge
District faces $5 million shortfall following Operation Metro Surge
