MINNEAPOLIS -- After nearly two dozen community meetings, the Minneapolis School Board approved Tuesday night, proposals to address the growing enrollment across the district.
"Increased enrollment means more families are choosing Minneapolis Public Schools and indicates the public's confidence in our work to prepare every child for college and a career," said Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson.
Minneapolis is expecting to add 2,000 new students in grades K-5 over the next five years. Those big numbers are now bringing about big changes, including the reopening of two schools.
The Folwell School building will reopen for the 2012-2013 school year. The Howe School building will reopen in 2013-2014 and will serve as a Pre-K-5 dual campus with Hiawatha Community School.
"That is something that many of our communities are happy about, to see some of our buildings that have been off-line for several years to really come back and bring new life and to know that there's going to be learning taking place right in their own backyard," said Associate Superintendent Michael Thomas.
The reopening of schools is just part of a larger, comprehensive plan to accommodate students. That means many students will be affected as they are moved to other buildings for the next school year. Change isn't always easy, and the district understands that.
"We have worked very closely with the community through numerous community engagement sessions to get their input and we've worked with the building staff, and administration, and central office staff, to really develop a comprehensive plan that works for all students to the extent that we possibly can," said Thomas.
Parents are already starting to be notified of the changes and more information is expected to follow in the weeks to come. You can find more information by heading to the district website.
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