District’s plan to address shortfall remains unclear
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is facing a projected $75 million budget deficit, a situation acknowledged by Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams. However, the specifics of how this deficit will be addressed remain unclear. Only proposed allocations have been shared so far, leading to uncertainty within special education departments.
“Special education will see a year-over-year increase of $3 million. Department allocations are still in process, and more information will be shared at the March 25 Finance Committee,” said Dr. Sayles-Adams.
While the district is expected to finalize its budget by June 10, it has not confirmed whether cuts will affect staffing or programs.
Special education impact
The looming budget shortfall has raised concerns about the quality of specialized education, especially in light of the district’s already strained resources. Catina Taylor, president of the education support professionals at MFT Local 59, emphasized the critical role of staff in maintaining safe and secure environments for students.
“It’s all about staffing and making sure we have enough adults in the buildings to keep our kids safe,” Taylor said. She noted that while new hires are made regularly, high turnover rates remain a significant challenge.
The budget crisis could potentially result in cuts to special education services, which are vital for students with disabilities. Christina Brantner, a music therapist at MPS, explained how her role supports students’ social, emotional, and academic development, especially those with special needs.
“My therapy helps students connect their learning goals with social skills through music,” Brantner said. She described using songs to reinforce concepts like readiness and social interaction, which are central to the Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) of many students.
Brantner expressed concern that cuts to special education funding could limit the ability to provide this kind of tailored support. “Music therapy helps students build confidence and self-expression, which is crucial for those who struggle with communication and social interactions,” she explained.
Funding challenges
Despite the ongoing budget challenges, MPS continues to allocate funds from its $30 million Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund to support intervention programs. These programs include licensed educators working with two full-time assistants at Bethune Elementary. MPS spokesperson Donnie Belcher confirmed that the district plans to invest an additional $3 million into special education services, in line with the proposed allocations.
However, concerns about the adequacy of these resources remain. Paula Luxenberg, a parent and volunteer at Bethune Elementary, pointed to systemic failures that contribute to disproportionate challenges for Black students, particularly in terms of inadequate staffing and low expectations. She says given the present disparities, these potential cuts could exacerbate the educational cracks of inadequate support.
“We fail Black kids by not setting high enough expectations, and by not fully staffing the programs they need,” Luxenberg said. “This is a systemic issue that needs addressing.”
Staffing and school-specific cuts
While exact details about potential cuts are still unclear, sources suggest that reductions could be implemented on a school-by-school basis. Taylor mentioned hearing that cuts might be “done building by building,” though the district has not confirmed this approach.
Jill Hartman, a science teacher at Edison High School, shared her concerns about increasing class sizes and decreasing support staff. “Class sizes are out of control across the district,” Hartman said. She also noted the impact of previous budget cuts on her own child’s education, particularly when he was not accepted into a program due to funding limitations.
Uncertainty
As MPS faces its budget crisis, the future of special education remains uncertain. While the district has outlined some proposed allocations, many questions about staffing and program cuts remain unanswered. The coming months will be critical as the district works to finalize its budget and address the concerns of students, parents and educators.
Clint Combs welcomes reader responses at ccombs@spokesman-recorder.com
You fail to mention the root cause of the current shortfall. Temporary covid money was used for permanent salary increases for teachers and staff. Covid money, now gone, leads to massive cuts.