Stop the transformation

Since mid-September, I’ve been wearing a “Keep Kenny” button everywhere I go. And several times — whether at work, dance, soccer, the park — neighboring district parents, extended family members and strangers have asked me, “Why would they close Kenny?”

It’s a profound question. Why close Kenny Elementary School, a school that was named a 2026 Minnesota School of Excellence? Why close a school that’s numbers and building size don’t fall into the categories defined as “underutilized”? Why close a school — and up to 15 others — that doesn’t actually save the district money?

Minneapolis Public Schools district leaders have said the intent of the proposed transformation plan closures is not to cut costs, but redistribute resources and add staff positions. They’ve said school performance wasn’t considered. They’ve said no decisions have been made, it’s up to the school board. All feedback is welcome.

Well, MPS families have feedback. Lots of it and want to be heard. These proposals will impact all MPS students even if the district claims otherwise. Community trust is already shaky after 2020’s Comprehensive District Design, and rushing school closures now is in no one’s best interest. Families around the city are rallying to stop the transformation or delay the vote, which is slotted for Nov. 10 — a week after the general election, which will change the makeup of the school board itself. 

Beloved community and magnet schools are the foundation of the district, and many of them are on the chopping block if this plan moves ahead. Schools that may be small but are a safe haven for students. Schools that offer specialty programming worth saving and promoting. Schools that are the beacon of their neighborhood and attract families.

School is not one size fits all. No two kids are alike and giving them the “same experience” on paper will not work. I understand something has to change to maintain and boost enrollment, but these proposals have too many holes. 

We’ve seen no racial impact analysis or true assessment of how transportation costs will change. We’ve seen no classroom-by-grade or facilities design plans to prove absorbing buildings can work on Day 1. Kids will feel uncomfortable immediately if halls feel overcrowded, if they have to wait more than 30 minutes in lunch lines or if they can’t go to a sensory-friendly space because last year’s sanctuary is now a required classroom. 

Also missing: The impending impact on Minneapolis Kids and Minneapolis Kids Jr., both thriving at Kenny and other schools up for closure. What’s being done to ensure these essential programs have appropriate space and room for growth at absorbing schools?

If you’re not up to speed on the MPS Transformation Plan, I implore you to visit stopthetransformation.com, take the MPS survey that closes Oct. 16, follow the work of Minneapolis Families for Public Schools and raise concerns to the school board directly via phone or email. Several MPS school board positions are on the ballot Nov. 3 — do your research and vote. 

Our school community is loud and Kenny proud. But we’ve also chosen to be public school families and want to do right by all MPS students. This plan isn’t it. I strongly reject the three proposals and urge the school board to do the same.