Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) serves over 33,000 students across 68 schools, among the largest and most diverse districts in the entire state. With programs in the arts, language immersion, special education, career and college readiness, and more, SPPS offers every student that walks through its doors access to quality education and academic opportunity in a supportive environment.

But years of chronic underfunding—made worse by federal threats—have left our schools vulnerable.

For over 20 years, state funding for public schools did not keep up with inflation while school costs continued to rise. This has left SPPS up to $50 million short annually compared to where it should be. And now, the federal budget has put even more pressure on our limited local and state resources. The School Board has made tough decisions to close schools and tighten budgets where it can but it’s not enough.

This November, Saint Paul voters have an opportunity to vote YES to fund our schools. The school referendum will raise $37 million annually over the next 10 years to prevent devastating cuts that will impact families and communities across our city.

Voting YES on the referendum protects what we all value: quality programs, dedicated staff, and a learning environment where every student can dream big. Remember, when our schools are strong, our neighborhoods, our local economy, and our communities are strong too.