St. Louis Park parents suggest closing school

In a role reversal of sorts, St. Louis Park School District residents have suggested a cost-saving measure that's often controversial when it's suggested by a district: closing a school.

Parents and other community members who attended a budget forum Monday night said they realize the state is partially to blame for St. Louis Park's $1.4 million budget shortfall.

Even so, residents chided district officials for planning to reduce music education, cut social worker positions and make other budget reductions they said are too steep.

"I've been here for years listening to this snipping away at programs," said St. Louis Park parent Katherine Cramer. "I want a long-term financial plan."

As declining enrollment takes its toll on schools in older metro-area cities, the cost-savings associated with operating fewer schools is attractive to some communities. Still, it's unusual for parents to make the suggestion themselves.

St. Louis Park parents have discussed the district's budget woes for months at various meetings and online at www.meetup.com.

The west suburban district has one high school, one junior high and five elementary schools. More than 4,200 students attend seven St. Louis Park schools.

Residents suggested closing one elementary school in light of consecutive years of enrollment declines. St. Louis Park school board members reviewed a building closing policy recently and will discuss it again soon.

"If we're going to keep getting 2 percent increases from the Legislature year after year with everything going up by 4 percent, it's something we have to consider," Superintendent Debra Bowers said.

School officials in the neighboring Hopkins School District are familiar with the struggles.

During the 2006-07 school year, Hopkins parents fought to keep Katherine Curren Elementary -- formerly the district's smallest and most diverse elementary school -- open for months. The 58-year-old school closed last June.

But less than one year later, an independent audit revealed Hopkins' decision and other cuts totaling more than $3 million were key factors that helped the district emerge from debt. Earlier this year Osseo and Robbinsdale school district residents also grappled with budget cuts and school closings.

Osseo school board members voted to close two elementary schools and combine programs at other schools. Robbinsdale decided against closing a school but made steep staff and program cuts.

Residents from both districts wholly or partially rejected levy referendums last fall. St. Louis Park didn't conduct a referendum then, but school officials may decide to survey residents about a levy increase in the near future.

"There are a lot of school districts facing tough choices" this spring," Bowers said.

Patrice Relerford • 612-673-4395