by Dr. Bill Green
Last week, we announced a change in the timeline for decisions related to Changing School Options, our plan to create a more effective, sustainable system for the future.
April 28 Administration will present its final recommendation to the Board of Education
May 26 Board of Education will formally vote on the plan
School Board members expressed a desire for more time to consider the many changes being discussed for the 2010 school year. Staff will be invited to learn more about the recommendations at school and community meetings in early May. Specific meeting dates, times and locations will be announced after spring break.
The current system is unsustainable both in cost and complexity. Efforts are underway to reduce busing and consolidate schools, programs, operations and administration. Planning is guided by values to maintain choice for families, encourage diversity district-wide and better promote equity across all schools.
Our district has repeatedly faced budget shortfalls due to declining enrollment, flat state funding and rising health care and energy costs. We would not be doing this work if we didn’t believe it is critical to building a foundation for academic achievement. We must right-size our system and invest our resources in the classroom. More information about Changing School Options, including a summary of community feedback received in February and March, is available on our homepage: www.mpls.k12.mn.us. I want to assure you that the work we are doing will continue over this next week and the months to come. We are seeking to make our schools better for our children, and we will do everything in our power to serve them and to increase excellence in our schools. Our final plan will leave no stone unturned.
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