Minneapolis parents threaten to leave district over proposed school closures

Minneapolis Public Schools is facing pushback from some families over proposals to close up to 16 schools in response to falling enrollment. The article says the district has room for 43,000 students but enrolls about 30,000. At an Oct. 1 community meeting, one parent said families had heard too little about how closures would affect students receiving special education, and warned that many parents might leave the district if schools close. Another attendee said nearby districts, including Robbinsdale and Brooklyn Park, regularly reach out to recruit families, while she feels her own school does not connect with neighborhood residents.

The article says the school board estimated in November 2024 that 49% of Minneapolis children attend private schools or open enroll elsewhere. Just under 6,000 students open-enrolled last year, with Edina (828), Robbinsdale (824), Hopkins (690) and Columbia Heights (636) receiving the most. CBS News reported that closures would not noticeably cut operating costs. Instead, the money would be redirected to more counselors, behavior support and academic intervention staff, plus more course options, arts programs and extracurricular access.

The article also notes the district is recovering from a difficult winter that followed a fatal shooting during an immigration enforcement operation. It says the district canceled in-person classes for two days and later offered a virtual option through Feb. 12. It also cites a Center of the American Experiment report on weak statewide math and reading results. The article does not say when a decision on closures will be made.