Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
St. Paul Public Schools adopts FY2025 revised budget; general fund deficit narrowed
Summary
The board adopted the district’s FY2025 revised budget Feb. 18. Administration reported the general fund deficit spend decreased from an originally projected $37 million to about $28.3 million, leaving an estimated ending general fund balance near 6.4 percent (roughly 24 days). The board also approved a one-time $72,000 transfer to community
The St. Paul Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved the district’s FY2025 revised budget on Feb. 18 after a presentation by budget staff.
Chief financial staff reported updated revenue and expenditure projections: increased general-fund revenue driven in part by higher-than-expected special education reimbursements and enrollment, offset by additional expense. The revised general-fund deficit is projected at about $28.3 million (improved from the June projection of a $37 million decrease), producing an estimated ending general-fund balance of about 6.4 percent of expenditures (approximately 24 days of operating reserves).
Other fund highlights included an expected increase in the food-service fund balance by about $652,000 due to higher reimbursements and a planned $72,000 one-time transfer from the general fund to community service to cover early-childhood screening costs not fully covered by state aid. Community education fund deficit spending decreased slightly compared with earlier estimates. Building-construction numbers showed a presentation-level deficit in the exhibit, but administration explained that the construction fund’s beginning balance will be adjusted when fully tabulated and that the apparent negative balance in the meeting slides reflects timing of bonds, certificates of participation and project billing.
Board members asked for and received details about FTE additions: fall adjustments added about 12.9 licensed FTEs (plus 0.88 unlicensed TA) and additional EL teachers; 12 custodial positions were added but vacancies and turnover mean net custodial staffing remains in flux. The board asked for clearer presentation of construction fund timing for public understanding.
The board approved the FY2025 revised budget on a unanimous vote. The district will proceed with the revised plan and follow the board’s direction to report additional details where requested.
Vote: Yes — Directors Ward, Vu, Allen, Carrillo, Franco, Valiant and Henderson (7–0). Outcome: approved unanimously.
Provenance: Budget presentation begins around 02:02:24 in the transcript; the vote occurs at 02:09:17.
