Minneapolis Public Schools Proposes Closing 14-16 Schools Amid Budget and Enrollment Concerns
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) has introduced a "School Transformation plan" that includes options to close between 14 and 16 schools. The proposal has caused shock and disappointment among families, particularly those from schools like Kenny Community School, while the district…
Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, September 16, 2026 — The Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) district has unveiled a “School Transformation plan” that outlines the potential closure of 14 to 16 schools. This proposal has elicited strong reactions from families across the district, with many expressing shock and disappointment.
According to the district, the proposed closures are driven by significant budget concerns and declining enrollment numbers. These factors are cited as the primary reasons necessitating a restructuring of the school system.
Families, particularly those with children attending schools like Kenny Community School, have voiced their distress over the potential impact of these closures. The prospect of losing neighborhood schools raises concerns about accessibility, community disruption, and the educational environment for students.
The district has provided a mechanism for community input, allowing families to share their feedback on the proposed plan. An online survey has been made available for this purpose, with a deadline set for October 16th. The outcome of this feedback period is anticipated to influence the final decisions regarding school consolidations and closures.
The specific details regarding which schools are being considered for closure, the exact timeline for any potential closures, and the precise financial figures driving these decisions were not provided in the summary. Similarly, the process for selecting which schools might be affected and the criteria used for evaluation were not detailed.
Families are encouraged to participate in the feedback process to ensure their voices are heard as the district navigates this critical decision-making period. The School Transformation plan aims to address the district’s financial challenges and adapt to changing enrollment patterns.
Further updates are expected following the conclusion of the feedback period on October 16th. The district has stated that the plan is intended to create a more sustainable and effective educational system for Minneapolis students, though the immediate impact on affected communities remains a significant concern for many parents and guardians. The number of schools slated for closure, between 14 and 16, indicates a substantial reorganization of the district’s infrastructure. The specific names of all schools under consideration for closure were not explicitly listed in the provided information. The district’s rationale centers on efficiency and resource allocation in response to current demographic and financial realities. The timeline for implementation of any approved changes has not yet been specified.
Story summarized from the original created by Cory Knudsen on kstp.com, see more information here.
