Understanding Our Challenges
We Can’t Maintain Excellence With Ongoing Budget Cuts
We have worked hard to live within our means:
Hibbing Public Schools has not asked for voter-approved funding in more than 15 years, setting us apart from most rural and even most Iron Range school districts. In that time, we have stretched every dollar and made difficult cuts while protecting the programs and services our students need to succeed.
A growing budget gap:
Our district faces growing financial challenges due to rising costs, inflation, and unfunded government mandates. While the cost of education continues to climb, state funding — which makes up most of our revenue — has dropped nearly 19% since 2005 when adjusted for inflation.
Ongoing cuts impact every student:
This spring, Hibbing Schools had to make painful budget cuts that eliminated 34 staff positions, including classroom teachers, paraprofessional special education staff, some electives, social workers and other mental health supports, and administration. This means larger class sizes, fewer course options, and less support for students who need it most.
Despite these efforts, Hibbing Schools faces a $2.6 million budget shortfall that threatens our ability to continue providing the quality education our community expects and our students deserve. Without new funding, deeper cuts are inevitable in the years ahead.