Megan Boldt wrote a story in the Pioneer Press this morning: “2 east metro magnet schools face closing in Maplewood, Woodbury.”
“There is a significant sense in many of us that our kids are doing well in these schools when they didn’t do well in others,” said St. Paul resident Mary Hess, who has sent her two sons to the schools.
“What it means to be successful in the world we live in now is way more than just how well students perform on standardized tests. It means being able to participate in a largely multicultural and multiracial world. Day to day, it’s a culture of integration at these schools.”
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Robicheau said operating the two schools consumes about three-quarters of the special district’s $12 million annual budget. But the schools serve only 880 students, fewer than 1 percent of the 122,000 students in the East Metro Integration District’s member districts.
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Robicheau said the money spent on the two schools could be directed to early childhood and literacy programs, magnet programs in member districts and more training to address the achievement gap.
Sending my daughter to Harambee in the 1st grade was the best decision I have made for her. When she went to our local school she was struggling and now she is in the 4th grade and excelling. And not only does she do well in school but she loves it, which really is something to be excited about. She doesn’t want to miss a day, she loves being smart and I really never have to fight with her to do her homework. I truly believe in my heart that Harambee and the staff have everything do with that. They have helped her self-esteem and become the wonderful child and student she is. I also have a Pre-K daughter who I know needs to have Harambee in her life. Please save our school!!
Mr. Robicheau does not sound like someone who is working for EMID. In fact, the comments he makes portray him as someone working AGAINST EMID. I am sure he can defend his comments by saying he is merely stating facts… but when you just have a few comments to make the facts you choose to share reflect what your position is. He chooses to share “facts” that argue why the schools should close. His job as the superintendent requires him to be an advocate for our programs INCLUDING our schools.
Thank you Mary, for keeping the focus on integration. The state of MN is facing a problem in this area with the potential to lose support financially as well as politically to work for equity in education through integration. Our current struggle may seem small to the collaboration and to legislators who are thinking about larger numbers. We are a place that can encourage and continue the tough conversations!!