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| | A $21 million accounting error just shrunk MPS's budget deficit | How did Minneapolis Public Schools “find” $21 million during a $50 million budget deficit? By fixing a long-standing accounting blunder, it seems. In a budget update last week, MPS detailed how for “several years” the district has not received the maximum amount of special education funding due to “miscategorized expenses and the underutilization of available reimbursement mechanisms.” The result? The school district expects the budget deficit for the next school year to drop to $39.7 million. [Minneapolis Public Schools / KSTP] | | - Damage is done: MPS acknowledged it can’t undo the harm caused to students, families, and staff due to budget cuts. In June of last year, the school district announced it would be cutting 400 positions to offset the shortfall. [CBS Minnesota]
- Problems remain: Even with this unexpected surplus, MPS still faces declining enrollment. At a budget hearing, one district executive also cited contract settlements and employees working beyond their normal hours as factors in the deficit. [Star Tribune / MPR News]
- Department in turmoil: So, what the heck is going on at the district's finance department? Melissa Whitler of the Minnesota Reformer reports that MPS senior finance officer Ibrahima Diop was able to keep his job despite months of red flags – including overseeing $3 million missing from employees’ healthcare trust. Diop resigned in January. A third-party report on the department read: “The Finance Division is characterized by poor morale, a lack of collaborative ethos, pervasive fear and uncertainty, and leadership gaps.” [Minnesota Reformer]
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| What the Cities Are Talking About |
| Get funky: Hometown legends Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will take the stage at the State Fair this summer. The duo is hosting the Aug. 29 concert called “Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound,” which will feature their friends in the local scene and from around the country. [Star Tribune] | | Dismissal: This past winter, the federal government went on an arresting spree of anti-ICE protesters. But they’re not always following through; of the 36 people the government charged with assault, prosecutors have dismissed 14 cases. The only felony indictments stem from a protester who allegedly bit off an agent’s fingertip after Alex Pretti was killed. [MPR News] | |  | A majestic blue heron at Hansen Park in New Brighton. (Anna Weggel / City Cast Twin Cities) |
| Spotted: My boss Anna noticed “the biggest blue heron I’ve ever seen” on her walk in Hansen Park this week. Got cool pics from your recent walk? Reply to this email and I might share it in an upcoming newsletter! | | Plunder: The group Dragons, Dungeons & Drinks had their supplies stolen after a break-in at Brühaven Craft Co. last week. The thief seemed to be hoping to score some tools, but got laminated character sheets, binders, tokens, and stickers instead. The group has launched a GoFundMe to recoup costs. [Bring Me The News] | | Yummy: The couple behind Saturday Dumpling Co. are filling the vacated Izzy's Ice Cream space in downtown Minneapolis with “East-meets-South” barbeque. The restaurant is called Jujube, and my watering taste buds think these folks have hit culinary gold. I’m imagining Peking duck with Texas toast. [MSP Mag] | | Fur-ever homes: Some beagles kept in a Wisconsin breeding and research facility will get new homes in Minnesota. In April, 1,000 animal welfare activists made headlines by trying to break into Ridglan Farms. The facility has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to give up its breeding license. As part of the Beagle Freedom Project, 50 dogs will go to the Animal Humane Society. [Pioneer Press] |
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| | Thursday, May 7 | | | Friday, May 8 | | | |
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If you’ve been wondering where the other guy who writes your newsletters is, Adam is on a much-deserved vacation. He’ll be back soon, so you’ll have to bear with my takes for a few more days! |
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