Superintendent: Mpls. schools not overstaffed

Minneapolis Schools Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson says an independent evaluation of the operations of the financially-challenged district found it is not overstaffed.

The department has posted an opening for a deputy superintendent, and plans to hire an associate superintendent. But Johnson said she will consider some recommended measures that could eliminate or consolidate certain positions.

Johnson said she is going to examine staffing levels and functions in a couple of departments to look for areas to improve.

"Bottom line is we must improve our service delivery, increase accountability at the central office level and deliver better results to students and schools," Johnson said. "By this time next year, with these changes that I've shared with you today, and ones that we'll be rolling out in the future, it will be a different school district next year."

The district is facing a budget deficit next year that could reach $30 million.

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