Recent content from Mara Klecker
Robbinsdale Schools made a $20 million budgeting error. Now what?
The district must cut 10% of its budget and is set to end this school year in statutory operating debt.
Audit finds Minnesota Academies for the Deaf and the Blind lacked financial oversight
The 46-page report spells out numerous shortcomings, from overreporting expenses to allowing the superintendent to approve his own travel expenses.
Dozens of Minnesota schools turned to taxpayers for more money. Some may have to ask again.
Districts requesting technology funding earned more support from voters in Tuesday's election than those seeking a tax hike to fund day-to-day expenses.
North metro: Voters replace one Blaine council member, retain other local leaders
Elsewhere, Anoka voters weighed in on a trash question, a council member was ousted in Brooklyn Park, and one school board seat remained close.
Latest contest in school culture wars: Minnesota school board election endorsements
Minnesota Parents Alliance, a group associated with the "parents' rights" movement, endorsed dozens of school board candidates. Some don't want the support.
How Anoka-Hennepin schools could close a $21 million budget gap
The options include administrative cuts, spending reserves, seeking more money and increasing class sizes to as many as 34 students at high schools.
How Minnesota's schools are serving millions more free breakfasts
Minn. is now in its second year of offering universal school meals; feeding more students free breakfast creates new kind of scramble before class.
After adding tech during the pandemic, Minnesota schools ask voters to pay more
School leaders know tax levies can be hard to sell to voters in a presidential election year. But they say they need money for educational and safety technology.
Who can become a substitute teacher in Minnesota?
The substitute teacher who re-enacted George Floyd's murder in front of Woodbury High School students cleared state requirements for a substitute license.
Election could reshape 'dysfunctional' Robbinsdale school board
Seven candidates are on the ballot for three open seats in November, just months after an investigation revealed widespread animosity among current members.
Troubled charter school closes in Minneapolis
LoveWorks Academy for Arts closed abruptly this month in Minneapolis after years of low academic scores and struggling finances.
Which Minnesota schools have the most lead in their drinking water? The state will soon find out.
A new state requirement calls on schools to test all their faucets within five years and fix any lead levels above what is allowed in bottled water.
Most Minnesota charter schools are failing to make good on their promises
Minnesota created charter schools to be more independent than their public school counterparts, allowing them to innovate and better help struggling students. But the lack of oversight often leads to financial mismanagement and fewer resources when things go wrong.
Where are the kids? Research shows numbers are down in Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
The decline in kids under age 5 mirrors larger population trends and has long-term implications for everything from schools to kid-friendly amenities.
When Minnesota charter schools fail, vulnerable students pay the price
Hundreds of Minnesota students are caught up each year in the often sudden shuttering of charter schools. School leaders say the closings create a cycle that sets more schools and students up for failure.
How Rhode Island's charter schools succeeded where Minnesota's failed
Rhode Island leads the nation in charter school performance. Advocates say adopting some of Rhode Island's methods might help Minnesota's struggling charter school system.
Suburban school districts say busing is off to a smooth start. Except in two districts.
Hopkins and Stillwater schools are trying to solve transportation issues caused by shifts to new schedules and routing systems.
Cellphone bans and a focus on attendance: What's in store for Minnesota students this year
Tuesday was the first day of school for many students across the state as class work continues on reading and math instruction amid stagnant test scores. There will also be expanded cultural curriculum offerings.
Minnesota schools are starting a new year, but will the students show up for class?
Attendance dropped during the pandemic and a concerning percentage of students still miss too many days of school. Districts are trying to find out why, and how to help.
Minnesota school test scores are out. Here's what the newest data show.
This year's test results follow a legislative call to change how reading is taught, but the training of teachers is a work in progress.
When is the first day of school in Minnesota? That depends.
Many suburban Twin Cities school districts now have 'soft start' days, staggering students' return by grade level to help them build routines and adjust.
Albert Lea police find pipe bomb during vehicle search
The discovery led to the evacuation of the Freeborn County Government Center.
Pedestrian seriously hurt in hit-and-run near Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis police were investigating the incident.
Two teens killed and one injured in Big Lake crash
A state trooper spotted their vehicle speeding shortly before it left the highway and rolled.
North High homecoming king and queen persevere through incredible loss
Kai Darden lost his mom. Javayaa Puckett lost both her parents. Both teens lost a friend in Deshaun Hill Jr. But the homecoming king and queen persevered through tough times, and celebrated their achievements and the future at graduation.
Minneapolis school support staff reach tentative agreement on new contract
The education support professionals' tentative agreement came a day after they filed an intent to strike. That agreement, and another with the district's teachers, still need approval.
Minneapolis teachers union to vote on strike authorization
Members of the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers will vote Thursday and Friday on whether to walk out if a contract agreement can't be reached.
Amid teacher shortage, Minnesota schools turn to international recruiting
Districts from Fridley to Red Lake to Willmar have hired dozens of educators from other countries, namely the Philippines, to fill open jobs.
Minnesota's graduation rates dipped. Look up how your school performed.
Graduation rates dipped slightly for Black, Asian, Latino students and students learning English. Look up your school's results.
Kathy Cargill finally reveals her plan for Park Point and the reason she's scrapping it
Cargill told the Wall Street Journal on Saturday that she's soured on the community.
Minneapolis Public Schools faces a $115 million budget gap. Here's what to know about possible cuts
Reductions are likely coming to programs and staff positions in both schools and the district office, but the final budget won't be decided until June.
How well are Minnesota's teachers paid?
Several teachers unions have negotiated unusually large raises in their new contracts this year, but the state's average teacher pay isn't the highest nationally.
St. Paul teachers ratify contract with school district
The contract, which the union says includes raises and increases in district contributions to health insurance costs, will now go to the school board for a vote.
Minneapolis Public Schools announces some cuts coming to schools next year
The district says its projected budget gap has grown amid ongoing contract negotiations with its teachers union.
Mitchell Hamline School of Law names its next president and dean
Camille Davidson will start in the role on July 1, and brings experience both practicing and teaching law.
What's holding Minnesota kids' attention these days? Surprise, it's chess.
The popularity of chess has surged among young people who found the game online during the pandemic and now are eager to play in person.
Teachers union leader announces her campaign for Minneapolis school board seat
Greta Callahan is president of the teachers chapter of the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and was a prominent voice during the 2022 strike.
Faced with staff vacancies, one Minneapolis elementary turned to parents for help
Hmong International Academy found a 'win-win' solution to solve a staffing crisis and support the community.
Minneapolis teachers union rallies at district headquarters
The demonstration amid contract negotiations came before new Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams' first school board meeting.
Enrollment and money woes have plagued Minneapolis schools for years. Can the board find a fix?
Predictions about the district's future have grown increasingly dire as the number of students shrinks and annual budget talks begin with gaps in the tens of millions of dollars.
New Minneapolis Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams vows to spend first months listening
She started her job as the Minneapolis Public Schools leader on Monday and said she's not planning a bunch of midyear changes.
Minnesota schools see influx of Latin American migrant students
The students have buoyed enrollment numbers in some districts and heightened demand for more bilingual teachers and support services.
Lisa Sayles-Adams begins as Minneapolis Public Schools superintendent
Monday marks her first day on the job and the first time the district has had a permanent leader since 2022.
Minneapolis schools added more librarians. Now books are flying off the shelves.
This year, the district fulfilled its promise to staff at least a half-time librarian at each school.
Mpls. middle school principal removed after parents call for change
Tara FitzGerald, principal of Andersen United Middle School since 2021, will be 'pursuing another opportunity' in the district and will replaced by interim principal Ray Aponte.
More school districts are in mediation with their teachers unions. Does that mean strikes are ahead?
So far, 57 districts across Minnesota have requested a state mediator to help negotiate new teachers contracts.
Minneapolis charter school to close Friday amid financial trouble
The Legacy of Dr. Josie R. Johnson Montessori school had moved to a new building this fall after an earlier dispute with a landlord over a deteriorating facility.
More sledding ahead? Snow days could return for Minneapolis students
Potential changes to the 2024-2025 school calendar will need to be negotiated with the teachers union and approved by the school board.
Minneapolis school board selects new leadership
Collin Beachy is the new chair of the board for Minneapolis Public Schools as the district grapples with tough decisions over finances and enrollment.
How one north Minneapolis elementary school cut disruptive behavior calls by 75%
Using data to be proactive, Principal Kelly Wright determined which students could benefit from a short break to refocus in a "sensory room."
Jon Pogatchnik, longtime Eden Prairie teacher, dies at 62
He was an avid outdoorsman and a beloved history teacher.
Eden Prairie High School's solution for students in need: The Eagle Nation Station
The Eagle Nation Station offers free food, hygiene and household items and clothes to students who could use them.
Minneapolis schools bet millions on career education. Now they need students.
The district has a new facility at North High and plans for others at Edison and Roosevelt.
Minneapolis teachers union files for mediation
The teachers union wants a tentative agreement with the district before the new superintendent begins in early February.
Minneapolis school board approves superintendent contract with Sayles-Adams
She'll begin in February and receive a $266,000 salary in her first full year.
Minneapolis goes with Camden High School, sheds slaveholder's name
The Minneapolis school board approved Camden High as the new name for Patrick Henry High. Students helped with the effort to rename the building.
Lisa Sayles-Adams may take over as Minneapolis schools superintendent months early
The school board will vote Tuesday on Sayles-Adams' contract, including a $266,000 salary for her first full year on the job. If approved, she'll start Feb. 5.
How new Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams won over Minneapolis school board
School officials across the Twin Cities area say the newly selected MPS leader has shown calm under pressure in challenging situations.
Minneapolis school board chooses Lisa Sayles-Adams for superintendent
Board members interviewed Sayles-Adams and the other finalist, Sonia Stewart, this week.
Lisa Sayles-Adams, longtime Twin Cities school leader, makes case for Minneapolis superintendent job
The superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools took questions from the public before a two-hour interview with the board about her leadership style, experience and priorities.
What to know about Sonia Stewart, one of two finalists for Minneapolis school superintendent
The school board interviewed Stewart on Monday night.
Minneapolis Public Schools leaders laud 'very strong' superintendent finalists
The public will have a chance to meet the two finalists — Sonia Stewart and Lisa Sayles-Adams — and watch their interviews next week.
At one Woodbury school, teens saw the achievement gap and stepped up to tutor their peers
The Close the Gap club at East Ridge High School draws up to 40 students each Tuesday after school.
A school missed a coach's sexual assault record. Then he did it again.
Minnesota schools' handling of background and reference checks are at the center of two high-profile lawsuits. A separate case before the state Supreme Court could determine whether if schools are liable when someone with a problematic past is hired and goes on to abuse students.
How Minnesota schools are trying to stop students from vaping in bathrooms
About 14% of high school juniors and 6% of eighth-graders reported using e-cigarettes, according to the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey.
Minneapolis, St. Paul school districts continue to see enrollment slide
Both districts hope for signs of stabilizing enrollment in the coming years.
Minneapolis schools expand music therapy to help students play and cope with emotions
The district added music therapy lessons, long a tool in special education, for all students at some schools.
Alternative high school's move brings students back to downtown Anoka
Sandburg Regional High School relocated from a leased space in Coon Rapids to the site of the former Sandburg Middle School, which closed in 2010.
Schools work to combat rising levels of chronic absenteeism
The number of students missing too much class has risen since the pandemic because of many factors, including increasing mental health challenges.
After first week of class, Minneapolis school district still needs hundreds of teachers
The district added hundreds of other new positions this year and now faces an almost 15% vacancy rate.
Do you have what it takes to lead Minneapolis Public Schools?
Applications are now open for the permanent superintendent position, with hopes of picking someone by the end of the year.
It's the first day of school for most Minnesota students. Here's what to expect.
More than 800,000 kids are back in the classroom as free meals and new school safety initiatives kick in.
Minneapolis charter school finds new North Side home after rental dispute with landlord
The Legacy of Dr. Josie R. Johnson Montessori School has moved to Family Baptist Church. The school's old landlord, Our Lady of Victory Church, has "ceased operations."
As Minnesota kids go back to class, school choice pushes districts to up their marketing strategy
Public school enrollment in the state has stalled in recent years as more families opt for private schools or homeschooling.
Minneapolis Public Schools has begun to contact families whose data was accessed in February hack
The cyberattack paralyzed computer systems across the district in February; a ransomware group claimed responsibility in March.
