Big questions are looming for Minneapolis Public Schools.
The district is starting its process of “school transformation,” which could include closures and consolidations. At the same time, more than 2,500 new immigrant students have enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools, stabilizing the district’s enrollment for the first time in years. Those new students could lead to increased state funding — but also increased costs, because the state does not fully fund English language services. The end of COVID relief funding meant significant budget cuts last year, and the district is expected to cut more this spring. School officials hope that voters will approve a technology levy this fall, which would provide more funds but not prevent budget cuts altogether.
These big decisions will be made by the nine-member Minneapolis school board. Next year’s school board will include at least two new members. Ira Jourdain, who represents District 6 in southwest Minneapolis, is stepping down. Early childhood educator Lara Bergman and former teachers union president Greta Callahan are vying for that open seat. (The school board is also in the process of filling a vacancy in District 3 in south Minneapolis, after Faheema Feerayarre resigned, but that seat won’t be on this year’s ballot. Existing school board members will make a temporary appointment until voters choose a representative in 2026.)
And all Minneapolis voters will have the opportunity to vote on an at-large school board seat. Incumbent Kim Ellison and accountant Shayla Owodunni are running for that seat.
Incumbents Sharon El-Amin, who represents District 2 in north Minneapolis, and Adriana Cerrillo, who represents District 4, including downtown and parts of south Minneapolis, are running unopposed for reelection.
We spoke with all the candidates about their visions for the school district in coming years. Their answers provide insight into what changes await Minneapolis Public Schools.