The Robbinsdale Area (Minnesota) district will close three schools and its district headquarters at the end of the academic year to shrink a significant budget shortfall.
MPR News reports that the school board has voted to close Noble and Sonnesyn elementary schools and Robbinsdale Middle School, and the building that houses district offices.
The vote followed a tense meeting packed with parents and community members. Many people pushed back against the closures, but school board members said they’re necessary to save money.
The schools to be closed are below capacity and could be combined with other schools to save staff and building costs, according to a presentation from assistant superintendent Robert McDowell.
The decision to shutter campuses comes about a year after the district announced it made a mistake in its budgeting, which resulted in a $20 million shortfall.
At that point, district officials said they would consider a range of cost-saving options, including school closures, staff cuts and a potential future funding referendum.
The board had looked at closing two other schools--Lakeview Elementary and Neill Elementary--but voted to keep those open.
The district expects to end the year with a $16 million deficit. It’s required to submit a debt reduction plan to the state by the end of January.
The board is scheduled to meet again in early January to consider more cuts, including a possible closure of a fine arts magnet middle school program.
