Minneapolis Supports Collaborative Efforts

Dear colleagues,

 

This is an exciting time for Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), as we launch Community Partnership Schools, a collaborative effort between the school district and the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers.

 

As Acceleration 2020 outlines, we believe that schools are the unit of change. For this reason, we are developing Community Partnership Schools, which will grant some schools increased autonomy as well as the ability to develop stronger and more aligned partnerships with the community.

 

I believe that autonomy empowers schools to own their vision for student success and work as a school community to make that vision a reality. When I was a school leader, I wanted to be able to create the environment for success. I didn’t mind being held accountable for the work – but I also wanted the flexibility to do what I needed to do.

 

I have heard teachers say, “We know what works best for our students,” – and I agree. As a central office, we want to be more supportive of your work. We want to give schools space to implement ideas that will improve student outcomes. You know your students and school communities best, so we want you to implement strategies to create a better educational experience for your students.

 

We will start small with a few selected schools for the 2015-16 school year. For phase one, up to five schools will be approved through a request for proposal process. We are using national models to develop a clear process to select the right schools and ensure that they get the support and autonomy they need.

 

Community Partnership Schools are a key effort in helping us prepare all of our students for college and career. I look forward to participating in this process with you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bernadeia H. Johnson, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools