Shakopee Public Schools Makes $4.5 Million Budget Error

The $4.5 million “human error” has parents concerned about the future of the district

SHAKOPEE, Minn. – The future of Shakopee Public Schools is in jeopardy after a “human error” led to a $4.5 million budgeting mistake.

Shakopee Superintendent Rod Thompson notified district employees of the issue via e-mail writing “human errors” resulted in a “series of inaccurate budgeting assumptions, omissions and errors” caused by the “district finance office leadership,” Fox 9 News reports.

According to the Star Tribune, Thompson explained in the e-mail that the district will first examine retirements, attrition and resignations before addressing staffing. He noted that 80 to 85 percent of the district’s $125 million budget goes to staffing.  

Both sources report parents and teachers concerned about the error attended a school board meeting Monday, where the discussions got heated.

A district representative elaborated on the issue to Fox 9 News, saying the district “still plans to end the year’s budget in the black.” They hope to makeup for the lost funds through “natural attrition.”

Fox 9 News says the finance director tied to the multi-million dollar error will retire shortly, but currently remains employed by the district.