September 21, 2021 -- The Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education approved the district’s plan for spending its American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds over the next three years. SPPS is receiving $206.9 million in federal funding for COVID-19 response efforts and to address long-term student outcomes that have been impacted by the pandemic. The final plan is due to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) on October 1, 2021.

View the final plan here.

SPPS convened a workgroup of 27 people, including district leadership, teachers, principals and other staff members from multiple departments to lead the project, and regularly consulted with a 13-member community advisory group. An extensive needs assessment garnered over 11,000 responses from a wide range of stakeholders. The draft plan was then reviewed over a 3-week community engagement period, and adjustments were made based on the feedback received.

View the engagement summary here.

SPPS leadership and the Board thanked every staff person and community member who has been part of this important project work so far. The newly formed Innovation Office will be responsible for progress monitoring and reporting to ensure the funds are being used appropriately and having a positive impact on student outcomes.

For more information, visit spps.org/ARP.