Minneapolis Public Schools considers closing up to 16 schools

Minneapolis Public Schools is considering a transformation plan that could result in the closure of up to 16 schools. The district is facing significant financial challenges, including deep budget cuts and falling enrollment, which Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles Adams attributed to chronic under-funding, increased school choice, and demographic shifts.

The school board has reviewed three different proposals involving school closures, mergers, and boundary changes. District officials stated that the current structure has led to fragmented pathways and inconsistent resources across different sites. The proposed changes aim to consolidate the district’s footprint to provide more consistent services, such as ensuring all elementary schools have full-time specialists and all middle schools offer athletics and activities.

Local families and community activists have expressed significant anxiety regarding the potential closures, fearing the loss of community cohesion. School board Chair Collin Beachy emphasized that the goal of the transformation is to provide students with the resources they deserve rather than simply balancing the budget.