EDTalks Panel Discussion: Confronting a Potential Financial Crisis for Minneapolis Public Schools

As a central player in Minneapolis’ vibrant and complex community, Minneapolis Public Schools serves over 35,000 students each year and requires sufficient resources to create truly welcoming and safe spaces where all young people have the resources and support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom and beyond graduation.

Minneapolis Public Schools has balanced its budget for the past three years with the help of nearly $262 million in federal pandemic funds, nonrenewable revenue that is set to expire late next year in 2024. The district’s most recent five-year budget projection predicts an "imminent financial crisis" due to declining enrollment and a failure to cut costs. Both strategic budget cuts and investments are critical to ensure student learning.

This panel discussion features members of the MPS community, including:
Amira Ali, student at South High School and member of the MPS CityWide Student Leadership Board
Tara FitzGerald, principal at Andersen United Middle School
Teresa Gloppen, Minneapolis Public School teacher on special assignment
Elleni Fellows, parent from Lyndale Elementary School

The panel discussion was preceded by presentations by Rochelle Cox, MPS Interim Superintendent, and Ibrahima Diop, MPS Senior Officer of Finance and Operations (see separate video).

EDTalks is co-presented by Achieve Twin Cities and Graves Ventures, a project of The Graves Foundation. Learn more at www.achievetwincities.org/edtalks or follow us on Twitter at #EDTalksMN​.

This EDTalk was live streamed from Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN on October 2, 2023. It was emceed by Adia Morris.