Dear Minneapolis Public Schools Board and Superintendent Sayles-Adams:

We are caregivers of students at Minneapolis Public Schools. We are reaching out to address a pressing issue that deeply concerns our school community. 

It has recently come to our attention that due to districtwide budget cuts, some projected class sizes at elementary school campuses across Minneapolis Public Schools are at 40 students or more. For instance, 4th grade classrooms at Keewaydin elementary are projected to have a staggering 41 students per teacher. Our soon-to-be 4th graders have already faced significant disruptions in their schooling journey, from the pandemic to CDD school transitions. 

As caregivers, while we understand the challenges facing the district, we cannot overlook the impact unreasonably large classrooms will have on our children's education.  These large class sizes will further exacerbate existing inequities within our schools, particularly affecting students of color, those with disabilities, children in need of social-behavioral support, and English Language Learners. Classrooms of this size also fail to honor our teachers’ contracts. 

We urge the district to explore immediate and sustainable solutions to address this issue ahead of the final budget approval meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. We are concerned that waiting will result in more families leaving the district, further exacerbating the problem. We have skilled teachers and involved families who care deeply about their schools. We can't afford to lose them. 

Whether it's revisiting budget projections, reconsidering administrative costs, tapping into reserve funds, or selling vacant buildings, we believe swift action is needed to ensure our children receive the quality education they deserve and families do not leave the district. We do not, however, support solutions that further reduce staffing and continue to strip our buildings to bare bones. Over the years, too much has already been cut to academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support for our kids.

In return, we will remain committed to advocating for additional funding for public education and supporting initiatives that prioritize the well-being of Minneapolis Public School students.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your prompt action and collaboration in resolving this pressing concern.