St. Paul schools plug $5M gap without layoffs
The St. Paul school board approved a budget plan on Oct. 30, 2026, to close a nearly $5 million gap without immediate layoffs, voting 6-1 to adopt the approach.[1]
The gap grew after more than 500 English learner students left the district, reducing federal funding.[1] The approved plan avoids immediate layoffs but leaves 12 jobs unfilled, converts some roles to early retirement and keeps at least two EL teaching posts and seven educational assistant roles vacant.[1]
Declining city birth rates and overall enrollment losses have shrunk district rolls, Superintendent Stacie Stanley said, and the district has hired an outside group to help recruit students back.[1] Up to a dozen English learner teachers are expected to take early retirement, a move the board said will reduce salary costs while preserving core services.[1]
Board members warned the plan could still trigger staffing reductions by the end of the school year if enrollment or funding falls further.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- St. Paul school board approved the budget plan on Oct. 30, 2026, by a 6–1 vote.
- The district faces nearly a $5 million budget gap after more than 500 English learner students left, reducing federal funding.
- The plan avoids immediate layoffs but leaves 12 jobs unfilled, shifts some positions to early retirement, and could still trigger staffing reductions by the end of the school year.
- At least two English learner teaching positions and seven educational assistant roles will remain vacant, and up to a dozen English learner teachers are expected to take early retirement.
- Superintendent Stacie Stanley says the district is dealing with both declining city birth rates and enrollment losses and has hired an outside organization to help recruit students back.
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