Five years after controversial plan, Minneapolis schools confront same equity and budget woes

Minneapolis Public Schools face a projected budget deficit of at least $25 million for the 2026-27 school year, underscoring persistent challenges since a controversial equity plan was enacted in 2020. Enrollment has decreased from over 32,000 students in 2020-2021 to around 28,900 last October, raising concerns about the plan's effectiveness in improving equity. Many parents express disappointment, stating that the implementation damaged trust in the district and failed to meet its objectives. Board Chair Collin Beachy noted that the district's struggles are mirrored in urban districts nationwide, which confront similar budget shortfalls due to declining enrollment. Although some improvements, such as a recent enrollment increase and the introduction of Spanish dual-language programs, have been noted, the district's leaders grapple with the ongoing fallout from boundary changes.

Experts argue that significant cost savings are unlikely without school closures or consolidations. The 2020 plan's authors anticipated that boundary changes would drive some families away, particularly Black and white families. Research indicates that integration efforts in Minneapolis face unique challenges due to historical resistance.