SPPS delays vote on reducing English Learner positions to align with loss of 542 students

On Oct. 20, 2026, the Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) Board of Education voted unanimously to postpone the vote to reduce English Learner teaching positions to align with the district’s decline in enrollment. The vote will be scheduled for no later than Friday, Oct.  30. The board also directed the district to “investigate at least one option that mitigates or avoids midyear cuts,” and to provide additional data to inform the decision.

"Due to federal immigration policy and Operation Metro Surge, SPPS has 542 fewer English learners (EL) than the number that were budgeted for in the spring. This equates to a loss of $4.9 million in funding for this school year. Without taking any action, the district's reserve funds would dip below the required 5% of daily operating expenses," according to a district press release.

See the full presentation here.

Informational topics included progress toward the Board’s student outcome goals on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) in reading and math, and an update on the implementation of the SPPS 2033 strategic plan.

For presentations and other supporting materials, please refer to the Oct. 20 Boardbook. Meeting recordings are posted on Eduvision following each meeting.