The Robbinsdale Area Schools Board examined a detailed administrative restructuring plan during a work study session Tuesday that would cut $2.1 million from the Education Service Center while creating new senior-level positions.

Superintendent Dr. Terry Salo and Chief Financial Officer Kristen Hisel presented the reorganization as part of the district's effort to address a $21 million budget deficit. The plan eliminates multiple director positions while adding new roles including a senior director of teaching and learning and a chief information officer position.

The restructuring represents a 17% reduction in ESC staff this year, following previous cuts that brought the two-year reduction to 30% of staff in the administrative building, according to district officials. Dr. Salo emphasized the changes aim to realign leadership structure rather than simply reduce positions.

Board members expressed concerns about the complexity of changes and requested additional work sessions before voting on the budget. Director Helen Basset questioned how the restructuring would benefit students, while Director Kim Holmes called for specific performance metrics tied to the new positions.

The board will schedule another work session in June to review the complete district budget before final approval. The district faces budget pressures similar to other metro area school districts, with the Association of Metropolitan School Districts reporting nearly $300 million in needed reductions across member districts.