An Investment in Minneapolis Public Schools

The Minneapolis Foundation today announced a commitment of more than $1.3 million to Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) to support literacy and leadership during the 2024-2025 school year.

Specifically, the Foundation is committing $1,077,000 for MPS to hire 10 literacy specialists and $244,500 to support the district’s Grow Your Own programs, which are designed to address the district’s teacher shortage and increase teacher diversity.

“It’s always the right time to invest in our kids, but especially in improving foundational literacy skills, inspiring school leaders and supporting the district’s new Superintendent,” said R.T. Rybak, President and CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation.

With the Foundation’s commitments, the 10 literacy specialists will be on-site in 16 elementary schools across the district to support and accelerate the implementation of the READ Act and strengthen educators’ instructional practices in the science of reading. In 2023, Minnesota enacted the READ Act, a groundbreaking law that requires all schools to use instructional strategies and curricula based on the science of reading. Implementing the READ Act is a critical shift that requires many schools across the state to provide additional training and materials to elementary teachers.

Grow Your Own is an important collection of programs for current MPS students who are interested in teaching careers, apprenticeships for recent graduates and candidates with associate’s degrees, and training programs for current educators and others with bachelor’s degrees who are pursuing a Tier 3 teaching license. MPS recently became the first school district in the state that has the ability to recommend teacher candidates for Special Education licensure after completing the MPS Academy program.

“We are excited to partner with the Minneapolis Foundation as we focus on improving literacy and removing barriers to attract and retain more educators who are passionate and committed to serving our students,” said Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams, Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. “This collective work is critical because our public schools are the cornerstone of thriving communities.”

Minnesota’s schools face immense challenges as they work to reverse learning loss and close educational opportunity gaps that widened during the pandemic. At the same time, Minneapolis Public Schools faces significant budget challenges that recently forced the district to make major cuts for the current school year due to a $110 million budget gap. Despite the sunsetting of Covid-19 funding, Minneapolis Public Schools is creating innovative solutions to address critical issues such as teacher shortages and literacy attainment.

A referendum on the November ballot also asks Minneapolis voters to help minimize further cuts to the school district’s budget by approving an increase of $20 million per year to its dedicated technology funding.

“As a member of the Minneapolis community, the Foundation asked leaders in Minneapolis Public Schools how we could be helpful in this moment, and we are excited to partner with the district to help ensure that students, teachers, and school leaders have the resources they need to be successful,” said Patrice Relerford, Vice President of Collective Impact and Giving at the Minneapolis Foundation. “The Minneapolis Foundation encourages Minneapolis residents to vote yes for much-needed school funding, and for all Minnesotans to find additional ways to support Minneapolis Public Schools with your time and resources.”

Rybak and Relerford also thanked five fundholders who contributed to the Foundation’s investment in Minneapolis Public Schools through charitable funds administered by the Foundation.

“A strong public education system is foundational for both our young people and the health of our community,” said Julie Baker, co-vice chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Baker and her husband, Doug, are among the fundholders who contributed to this investment. “Partnering with the Minneapolis Foundation on this investment was an exciting opportunity for us to join forces with other donors who care about Minneapolis Public Schools.”

This investment in Minneapolis Public Schools aligns with the Minneapolis Foundation’s Reimagine Education grants, which support metro-area schools, school districts, and organizations that are advancing equity and uplifting youth voices in Minnesota’s K-12 education system. The Foundation’s 2024 Reimagine Education grants will be announced next week.