Overview
- MPS leaders said Monday the district will add 89 licensed teachers next year to reduce class sizes, along with 63 paraprofessionals and 5 school psychologists funded by a new federal grant.
- The hiring plan is part of a broader push to protect student services as officials respond to an external audit that found a $46 million budget gap.
- To pay for the plan, the district estimates about $160 million in new revenue and savings, including $47 million from a voter-approved referendum, $30 million from central and non-classroom cuts, $11 million in higher special education aid, and $40 million from fewer charter enrollments.
- New costs next year are projected at $154 million to $171 million, which include $24.6 million for the added classroom roles, $25 million to $42 million for pay increases, and about $20 million for higher benefits.
- Non-classroom steps include a soft hiring freeze and earlier reductions such as 59 assistant principals and 62 implementer roles, while art, music, PE, and library staffing totals remain unchanged; the final budget goes to the school board in May.