Last digest:
We shared information about the work school district leaders did during winter break. They looked deeper into several parts of the CDD, including whether or not to adjust the number of magnet schools, changing walk zones to avoid high-crime areas, and developing criteria that would be used should we need to close schools. We also talked about how it’s important to remember the CDD is about more than just a model—it’s about academics, equity and sustainability—and we talked about the survey that is out right now.
What’s new:
Key points: This week we’re giving you a sneak peak of the five models that will be presented to the Board next week and discussed as part of the community listening sessions. At those listening sessions, there will be a welcome, a video providing an overview of the CDD, a brief presentation and time for questions and answers.
More info: We originally said up to three models of school programs, grade levels and boundaries would be public starting next week. However, after listening to thoughts and concerns from the community, five models were created.
The first model looks at keeping school grade levels and programs the same, which would require significant changes for sustainability. In this model, there would be the potential for a substantial number of school closings and extensive resource reallocation.
The second model uses the boundary studies to have community schools and centralized magnet schools that are grades K-5 and 6-8. In addition to two of the magnets being dual language immersion schools, this model also includes two-way language programs within some community schools. The third model is similar to the second, but adds a third language immersion magnet school rather than additional two-way language programs within schools.
The fourth model uses the same base of community schools and centralized magnets, but makes some magnets K-8 and includes additional two-way language programs in up to three community schools. The fifth model also has community schools and centralized magnets, with some magnets as K-8s and a third immersion magnet school.
In any of these models, school closures and resource reallocation could still occur, but not at the level required should we keep our current structure. And again, while information on the models will be online before the meeting, we encourage everyone to wait for the public presentation to better understand the decision-making behind the models.
We also hope everyone is able to attend a listening session to learn more about the CDD. Interpretation and childcare services will be available at every meeting. After a brief welcome, there will be a video overview of what the CDD is, why it’s happening, and some of its important parts. District leaders will then give a brief presentation with additional information. The remaining time will be devoted to questions and answers.
While people will understandably have specific questions about impacts to their school, the goal will be to keep the conversation focused on how the CDD does or does not provide more students in Minneapolis access to a well-rounded education. In order to allow the best use of time and provide as many answers as possible, questions will be taken via notecards. If time allows, they will also be taken via microphone.
What’s coming up:
The CDD and all of the models will be discussed in further detail at the Jan. 28 Board meeting. Leaders will talk about the pros and cons of each of them, as well as structural changes that will be required for sustainability in any model. They will also talk about the other key components of the CDD, including the academic plan, policy changes, staffing efforts and more.
Just to recap the process, the studies previously discussed have informed the models coming out, which will be used to inform the final CDD proposal sent to the Board. Once a CDD proposal is approved, work would begin on an implementation plan to determine how and when changes would take place. No changes to school boundaries or magnet programs would take place before the 2021-22 school year unless urgently required.
Budget discussions will also be happening over the next few months. Schools and district departments should receive their proposed 2020-21 budgets in mid-February. A final budget proposal, which would reflect portions of the CDD, will be sent to the Board in May for a vote in June.
How you can stay engaged:
Don’t forget to take the survey of priorities for the final CDD proposal and budget decisions. The survey will be available for a few more weeks. It’s only about 5-10 minutes long, and results from the survey will help inform the CDD proposal sent to the Board in March and budget proposals sent in May. To ensure underrepresented voices are heard, there will also be a targeted phone survey that asks the same questions.
Watch the Jan. 28 Board meeting on Channel 15 or online at mps.eduvision.tv. You can also see previous Board meetings and presentations both places.
Check out answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the CDD, which will be updated regularly, give feedback, and continue learning as much as you can.
As we move forward in this process, we look forward to hearing ideas on how we can work together to better serve students in Minneapolis and guarantee a well-rounded education for them all.