SSPPS Advocates for Critical Funding Fix to Support Students

South St. Paul Public Schools (SSPPS) is facing significant financial challenges due to recent changes in state legislation that have unintentionally reduced compensatory revenue for our district. These changes are projected to decrease our funding by $1.5 million— equivalent to the cost of 15 teachers or 30 educational support professionals who provide essential academic and mental health support to our students.

How Did it Happen?

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature introduced a universal free meal program to address food insecurity- an important benefit for our students and families. However, the funding structure for this program unintentionally altered how compensatory education revenue is calculated, resulting in a substantial funding loss for districts like SSPPS. Compensatory revenue is a critical source of funding that directly supports small class sizes, academic interventions, and mental health services.

What is SSPPS Doing About it?

To prevent immediate impacts on students and staff, the SSPPS School Board has made the difficult decision to use district savings (fund balance) to cover the $1.5 million shortfall for the 2025-26 school year. This decision was made in the hope that the Minnesota Legislature will approve a funding fix this session. However, if no legislative solution is provided, SSPPS will be forced to make these reductions in the 2026-27 school year.

Meanwhile, district leaders and School Board members have been actively advocating at the Capitol, meeting with legislators to push for a necessary funding fix. We need your help to make sure our voices are heard.

How Can You Help?

We are calling on our families, staff, and community members to advocate for a legislative fix. Postcards are available in each school office— we encourage you to stop by, sign one, and we will deliver them to the Capitol. Every voice matters in ensuring all students continue to receive the support they deserve.

We are currently working through the full 2025-26 budget process and will share more details in the coming weeks. Thank you for your continued support and advocacy for our students and schools.