Updates to Programs, Staffing and Resources

Last Friday, the district shared information about staffing changes, and their were requests to detail specifically what the changes were, the total savings, and respond to why there appears to be more staff added to district administration.

The changes do not increase district administration. Instead, they reflect a thoughtful reallocation of existing resources to better support students, staff and school communities. Key changes include:

Positions not refilled:

• Payroll Coordinator
• Director of Student Services

Staffing adjustments:

• Released three Building Operations Supervisor positions
• Reassigned two IB Coordinators
• Reassigned Digital Learning Integrationists
• Transitioned MTSS responsibilities to School Psychologists
• Reassigned the Due Process Clerk and Special Education Instructional Coach into Special Education TOSA roles

Strategic promotions and realignment:

• Promoted a Human Services Supervisor and a Director of Learning and Innovation
• Shifted administrative support from Student Services to Business Services
• Expanded School and Community Support
• Added a Community Schools Coordinator
• Added a 0.5 FTE Multicultural Liaison

Through these changes, the district will reduce its budget by approximately $222,000 annually, while prioritizing direct support for students and strengthening connections with families and the broader community.

The district closely monitors student enrollment and class sizes to ensure strong learning environments aligned with the district’s strategic plan and commitment to student success. BrightWorks conducted a study comparing 32 school districts, including St. Louis Park Public Schools on class sizes. Compared to other districts in the state, SLP Schools have lower class size averages. 

The district’s class size targets range from:

• 20-25 students in elementary
• 30-35 students in secondary

District leaders note that these ranges allow educators to build strong relationships with students while maintaining engaging, structured instruction.

Enrollment data shows steady numbers across elementary schools, with total grade-level enrollment ranging from 271 to 343 students. This distribution supports multiple classroom sections at each grade level, helping the district maintain manageable class sizes. At the secondary level, enrollment increases as students move through the system. Secondary grades enroll approximately 309–390 students per grade. 

To account for the growth, the district increased middle school FTE to help maintain class sizes. This is a common practice when enrollment increases. 

Though class sizes maintain importance to student success, there are other support structures that are essential for deepening the learning experience for students. St. Louis Park Public Schools continues to implement key strategies, including:

• Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to provide targeted academic and behavioral support
• Park PRIDE to build positive, consistent building cultures
• Portrait of a Learner (ASCEND competencies) to guide instruction and student outcomes

As the district continues to align resources with its strategic plan, class size will remain an important consideration in staffing, scheduling and long-term planning. St. Louis Park Public Schools works to ensure each student has access to high-quality instruction in a supportive and engaging learning environment.

View the Brightworks study

Technology is not going away. We are committed to using technology responsibly and teaching our students how to use it. Students should be able to use several different types of mediums to communicate and share their work. We partner with parents and care givers to instruct our students on how to create digital literacy and media skills.

SLP Student Handbooks detail information about cell phone and other personal device usage at school. Students in elementary and middle school are expected to keep their phones away all day. For high school, students may use their devices before school, after school, during passing times, and during their assigned lunch period. These policies are intended to minimize disruption to learning, mental health, and behavior. 

The use of cell phones involves personal decisions for each family. However, there have been discussions in the state legislature about implementing a cell phone ban in schools. The current proposal would ban cell phones and smartwatches in K-8 and provide restrictions on cell phone use in high school classrooms. 

The district remains committed to staying updated on the topic of cell phone use, and is actively monitoring legislative discussions and current research regarding the impact of personal technology in the learning environment. We value and consider community feedback as we navigate the balance between technology use and academic success.

The district has provided on-site and in-person professional development and resources to help teachers adjust their lesson plans and keep students engaged during longer class periods.

The district is developing guidelines to ensure that AI tools are used appropriately and that teachers are trained to protect student privacy and data. Teachers currently have access to YourWay, an AI tool that supports teachers by supporting lesson planning, personalizing instruction and generating new ideas on how to present content to students. This tool has been vetted by our team and is available to every teacher free of charge.

The Portrait of a Learner is our district's strategic vision and is aligned with our ASCEND framework. This framework defines the key skills and mindsets students develop from early learning through graduation.

AUTHENTIC
They collaborate with compassion and purpose. Students invest in their community with care and build inclusive relationships.

STRATEGIC
They think critically and creatively. Students lead with innovation as they analyze complex problems, generate solutions, and apply learning to real-world contexts.

CONNECTORS
They communicate with open minds. Students bridge differences by listening with empathy, honoring diverse identities, and advocating for themselves and others.

EMPOWERED
They lead with equity and integrity. Students demonstrate the courage and responsibility to advance equity, honor multiple perspectives, and stand up for what is just.

NIMBLE
They adapt and thrive. Students take risks and initiative, embrace change, and navigate the world with resilience as engaged, lifelong learners.

DREAMERS & INNOVATORS
They live their brilliance. Students reach their full academic potential, engage confidently with the world, and remain curious, resilient, and forward-thinking.

This portrait reflects our district’s commitment to developing the whole learner – not just academic success, but the skills needed to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.