EDTalks - Big Challenges, Realistic Solutions: Confronting a Potential Financial Crisis for Minneapolis Public Schools

In partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), Achieve Twin Cities and Graves Ventures are convening our community for this candid conversation with MPS district leaders, along with a panel featuring a MPS principal, teacher, high school student and parent.

MPS serves over 35,000 students each year, with K-12 education and other services provided through 90+ schools and additional programs. As a very large school district and central player in Minneapolis’ vibrant and complex community, MPS requires sufficient resources to create truly welcoming and safe spaces where all students can access the full range of support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom and beyond graduation.

MPS 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 is a watershed moment for both MPS and our community at large. Please join us for this deep dive into how we got here and realistic solutions to explore together.

We need our community’s strong engagement in the success of MPS and our young people. Please join us for this critical community conversation featuring:

Presenters

• Rochelle Cox, Superintendent, Minneapolis Public Schools
• Ibrahima Diop, Senior Officer of Finance and Operations, Minneapolis Public Schools

Confirmed Panelists

• Amira Ali, Student, South High School; member of MPS CityWide Student Leadership Board
• Tara FitzGerald, Principal, MPS Andersen United Middle School
• Teresa Gloppen, Teacher, MPS teacher on special assignment
• Briana Thompson, Parent, MPS North Community High School
• Elleni Fellows, Parent, MPS Lyndale Elementary School

Event details:

• Doors open at 5 p.m.
• Program begins at 5:30 p.m.
• Complimentary appetizers served! Beverages available for purchase.
• Tickets are $5
• Advance registration is encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome depending on capacity.

For more information contact Heidi Draskoci-Fricke. We look forward to seeing you there!