Star Tribune: Board opts to keep integration schools open around the metro

The Star Tribune published a story by Daarel Burnette that described tonight’s board meeting:

Wednesday’s vote, taken unexpectedly before parents were allowed to speak, allows the two schools to stay open indefinitely, thanks to a compromise plan offered by several superintendents, who proposed the board keep the schools open but reduce the districts’ contributions by up to 43 percent.

With the cut in funding the board will have to cut several programs over the next several months, board members said.

“We need to realize things aren’t going to look the same next year,” said board member Lori Swanson.

That didn’t dissuade parents.

“The energy you see here tonight is not going to go away and leave you holding the bag,” parent Michael Boguszewski told board members. “We’ll help in any way we can to reach that long-term sustainability. Let’s keep pulling together for this common cause.”