Minneapolis school board outlines $16 million in budget cuts

It was standing room only at the Minneapolis School Board Finance Committee Thursday as school leaders outlined portions of this year's budget.

The district is bracing for more than $16 million in cuts as they face down a budget deficit of nearly twice that much. Teacher and support staff jobs are on the line, with board members saying that Washburn and Patrick Henry High are set to be hit hardest.

"Trying to do what’s best for all students sometimes means that individuals are not going to get what they want," Superintendent Ed Graff said at Thursday's meeting.

Despite there being no public comment section, many in the crowd said they got their point across--they want to be a part of the conversation about when--and how--budget cuts are implemented.

"We all understand that there have to be necessary budget cuts," Washburn student Joshua Hansen said. "But we want an alternative and we want more of our voices in the conversation too, because that’s not happening."