The Duluth school district will be cautious with how it spends the nearly $2 million it will receive as part of the federal Education Jobs Fund this fall.
The School Board and administration discussed the money Monday, and many said they'd like to see some of it used to help classrooms now, but some should be saved for next year.
Most of the one-time money will be delivered this fall, with 10 percent held back until enrollment figures are more certain, said Bill Hanson, director of business services. The money, meant for any school job except those at the district level, can be spent over the next two years.
"We (should) exercise some caution as to how we consider using these funds," Hanson said, noting future state budget woes and the specific needs within schools need to be considered.
The money is part of $167 million that Minnesota received, and part of $10 billion given out across the nation to retain teachers and staff in schools.
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One concern for Duluth is that state lawmakers could cut some school funding this year, thereby negating the new money.
"There's a spirit that says (we want) part of this to become effective now. ... We've created some programs this year that we'd like to continue next year," Hanson said. "But we're looking to tomorrow as well as today."
Board member Tom Kasper asked for a special meeting to discuss possible uses for the money.
"It probably should happen sooner than later if we're going to positively impact class size in a short period of time," he said, and balance how the money is spent in a way that jobs created this year aren't cut next year.
Some teaching positions already have been restored in the normal fall process of adjusting to enrollment specifics and other needs. Of the 22 tenured teachers laid off in June, 16 have been brought back, but most not to the job they last had. And two are doing long-term substitute teaching, said Tim Sworsky, manager of human resources for the district. Seven of the 24 nontenured teachers who were laid off have been rehired.
