School districts in the Twin Cities are facing ongoing challenges as they aim to return to normalcy after the drawdown.
In Fridley, issues such as funding, mental health, and academics remain significant concerns. Dr. Brenda Lewis, superintendent of Fridley Public Schools, highlighted the impact of students opting for online learning or dropping out entirely.
“The recovery is going to be intense,” said Lewis. She noted that the district had 112 students automatically dropped after 15 consecutive days of absence, risking $1.2 million in funding.
Online learning numbers have fluctuated, with Fridley at 421, Robbinsdale at 527, Bloomington at 600, Minneapolis at 6,400, and St. Paul at 7,000. Lewis emphasized the need for mental health resources and interventions for students.
“Even though we’ve had online, it’s still not the same,” said Lewis. “Our learners in Fridley are the very learners that most need to be in school.”
Parents in the Fridley School District share concerns about the lack of quick or affordable solutions. “As things calm down in the news and the national stories fizzle out … we are still picking up the pieces, and there is a lot to do,” a parent said.
Potential legislation may be introduced to safeguard funding for districts affected by dropouts and extended absences due to ICE activity. Lewis plans to testify at the upcoming legislative hearings.
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