Skip To Main Content
Two Changes to Strengthen Our District Through Budget Adjustments

I have spent the last few weeks reflecting on the budget feedback. While your feedback showed some of the outstanding things we are doing, it also showed some ways we might go about achieving more with fewer resources. Today, I’d like to share with you some of the initial changes that we are planning to make. In order to reach the $2 million target, more reductions will be needed, but the following changes represent my initial decisions in that direction.

Organizational Changes
We will be making changes to our organizational structure. After assessing our leadership model, I have made the decision to reduce cabinet-level positions. We heard some concerns from our community about the number of administrative staff. This led me to take a look at our current model and make revisions accordingly. Additionally, in review of our student achievement data, we have seen a need for opportunities to help our teachers grow professionally. With your feedback, we have reevaluated the role of Culturally Relevant Literacy Coaches to provide improvements to our instructional coaching model. These changes align with the current needs of the district, but they also have the potential of saving at least $500,000 within the district budget. 

1. Leadership Restructure
After a thorough review of our current model, we have decided to eliminate two cabinet-level positions to better align our leadership team with the district's priorities. The two positions that will be eliminated are the Principal on Special Assignment and the Director of Teaching and Learning. Effective July 1, 2025, cabinet will include:

  • Assistant Superintendent
  • Executive Director of Assessment, Research, and Evaluation
  • Executive Director of Business Services
  • Executive Director of Communications
  • Executive Director of Community Education
  • Executive Director of Human Resources
  • Executive Director of Information Services
  • Executive Director of Student Services

Additionally, to streamline our leadership and clarify roles, all director positions will be retitled as Executive Directors. It’s important to note that this title change will not result in any salary increases, but will reflect the organizational structure of St. Louis Park Public Schools. 

2. Instructional Coaching Model
In addition to leadership changes, we will also be making changes to how teachers receive instructional support. The current model includes 12 Culturally Relevant Literacy Coaches, with two assigned to each school site. Starting next school year, we will reduce this number to eight coaches, and the positions will be retitled Instructional Coach-Content Specific. This new model will include one coach at each elementary school, two coaches at the middle school, and two coaches at the high school.

Individuals currently in the role of Culturally Relevant Literacy Coach will have the opportunity to reapply for the Instructional Coach-Content Specific position. The new job posting will be made available by the end of January, and all interested applicants should apply by February 7, 2025. 

In addition to the change in positions, we are establishing site implementation teams with current staff in the buildings. Teachers interested in pursuing additional leadership opportunities will have the option to apply and work alongside design teams. The site implementation team will identify and facilitate areas of professional development, monitor student data, observe classroom instruction, provide feedback to teachers, and identify areas of support for teachers.

While these budgetary and organizational changes are difficult, we are committed to making thoughtful decisions that align with our district's core values and priorities. By focusing on what matters most – teachers' engagement, individualized support, and community building – we will continue to strengthen our educational system, even in challenging times.

We understand that change can be unsettling, but we believe these adjustments will help us be more efficient and effective in serving the needs of our students. I want to thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration as we work through these changes together. For more information on the budget process, visit slpschools.org. 

Our commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive community remains unwavering, and I look forward to the continued progress we will make as we adapt and grow.