Operating Levy 2022: Seeking Voter Support to Avoid a Financial Cliff

State funding for South St. Paul Public Schools continues to not keep pace with the increasing costs necessary to operate our schools. The result is an ongoing funding gap. Unfortunately, our situation is not unique. Most Minnesota school districts rely on voter-approved funds to narrow that funding gap and avoid cuts to key programs and services.

The school district is mindful of the financial capacity of our local taxpayers and has made financially prudent budget adjustments. Most recently, the district cut $1.4 million from its 2022-23 budget with a focus on cuts that wouldn’t significantly impact our classrooms.

Over the years, South St. Paul Public Schools has also been resourceful in creating a variety of partnerships to increase opportunities for students. The school district is thankful for the generosity of time, talent, and treasure from organizations like the South St. Paul Education Foundation, the City of South St. Paul, South St. Paul Lions, South St. Paul Open Foundation, TriDistrict Community Education, and SO MANY MORE generous organizations.

Due to the ongoing lack of adequate funding paired with the end of one-time COVID relief funds, the district is facing a devastating financial cliff. Voter approval of the two-question operating levy on November 8 will enable the district to avoid the potentially devastating impact of substantial budget cuts to programs and staff.

For more information about the November 8 operating levy, visit www.sspps.org/levy2022. #PackerPride #PackerPromise