St. Paul School District to freeze all hiring

ST. PAUL (AP) -- The St. Paul School District announced a hiring freeze to combat a $7 million deficit in the current school year's budget.

The district said Wednesday it will announce complete cutback plans in January, after the full impact of the state's budget deficit becomes clear.

The district cited several reasons for the freeze including: declining K-12 enrollment; fewer teachers who were expected to retire have decided to remain working; and increases to fixed costs such as retiree health insurance and workers' compensation.