Minneapolis Public Schools Proposes Closing At Least 14 Schools Amid Budget Shortfall
Minneapolis Public Schools is proposing to close at least 14 schools as part of a "transformation" plan to address declining enrollment and a nearly $40 million budget gap. The primary question is how much money the district will actually save,…
Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, September 16, 2026 — Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) has put forward a proposal to close a minimum of 14 school buildings as part of a strategic initiative aimed at restructuring the district. This plan, described as a “transformation,” is intended to address significant challenges including declining student enrollment and a substantial budget deficit projected to be nearly $40 million.
The proposed school closures are a central component of the district’s effort to realign its resources and operations with its current student population. MPS is facing a complex financial landscape exacerbated by fewer students attending its schools.
A key point of discussion surrounding the proposal centers on the projected financial savings. While the district anticipates reductions in utility costs through consolidating operations, the full extent of potential savings remains unclear. Specific financial details beyond these estimated utility savings have not yet been publicly disclosed.
The ultimate amount of money the district will save as a result of these closures is contingent upon future decisions. These decisions include potential changes to staffing levels and the eventual disposition of the closed school buildings, such as selling or repurposing them. These subsequent actions will play a crucial role in determining the total financial impact of the proposed transformation plan.
The district has not provided further details regarding the specific schools identified for closure, the timeline for these decisions, or the precise financial projections beyond the stated utility cost reductions. The path forward involves these as-yet-undetermined factors influencing the district’s fiscal outlook and operational structure.
Story summarized from the original created by Kyle Brown on kstp.com, see more information here.
