Minneapolis, MN — Communidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL), Minneapolis Families for Public Schools (MFPS), New Justice Project (NJP), and TakeAction Minnesota (TAMN) are hosting an event to address the recently proposed budget cuts for Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) for the 2024–25 school year. “Minneapolis Families Demand Investments, Not Cuts” will bring together families and elected officials from across the city to discuss the impact of these proposed cuts on our students and schools and strategies for increasing investment in our public schools.
MPS has shared that they are experiencing a $110 million budget deficit for the upcoming school year. To address this deficit, they are proposing utilizing $55 million in one-time reserves and addressing the remainder of the deficit with cuts to staff and programming, seriously compromising both the quality of education for our students and working conditions for our educators. Comprised of large numbers of MPS families, our organizations are asking our elected officials to collaborate with us and one another to find immediate and long-term solutions for ensuring our schools have the funding they need to provide our children with the world-class education they deserve. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 22 from 6–8 p.m. at Shiloh Temple, 1201 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411.
“Cutting millions from our schools is not just a financial decision; it’s a decision that will deeply affect the lives and futures of our children. All students, regardless of their background, deserve access to quality public education that equips them for success,” said Francisco Segovia, Executive Director of COPAL. “We need investments that support their growth, not cuts that hinder their potential. We urge officials to find solutions that prioritize equity and the well-being of our students.”
● Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL) is a nonprofit organization leading social impact initiatives that drive political, social, and economic changes to improve the lives of Latine families in Minnesota.
● Minneapolis Families for Public Schools (MFPS) engages Minneapolis families in collective and collaborative action to create the public schools that our children, educators and city need and deserve.
● New Justice Project (NJP) is a black-led organization focused on building power for Black Minnesotans. We are working on organizing to make sure the black community has access to equitable jobs and housing.
● TakeAction Minnesota (TAMN) is a multi-racial people’s organization building power for a government and economy that works for all of us. We’re a hub for Minnesota’s progressive movement, bringing together people and organizations to make more politically possible.