As we talk about education, it is important to remember that education is local and not all districts are alike. While there are some common issues impacting schools and families, each school district will have some similarities and differences in how they do things. This of course, will hold true within a state and among states. MN may have a different approach to education than say, Texas. I have many friends around the nation who are educators, so some of what I share are the views expressed by other educators. In my opinion, the district in which I work, mirrors the overall United States quite well.....economic diversity, a growing minority population, and politically divided between liberal and conservative factions.
City Demographics
My school district is located in a second ring suburb in Minneapolis/Saint Paul. According to the latest census report, the population is 23, 583 and 85.6% of the residents are Caucasion. The district surrounds a large lake and very quaint downtown area, which is the focal point of the community. Like many bigger lakes close to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, this suburb was a resort community back in the 1920's. In terms of growth, the suburb is moving to the north, with larger and more expensive homes being built. Also, new schools have been built to the north. The south end of town, which is closer to the city, was built during the baby boom of the 1950's. Economic diversity is present with more wealth concentrated in certain parts of the district. Homes in the downtown area, around the lake, and the north end are more expensive than the homes in the southern end of town. Census data shows that 36.9% of residents hold bachelors degrees and 6.7% live below the poverty line.
School District Demographics
According to the 2023 Annual Update, the district serves 8,224 students. Open enrollment adds to the student population and school diversity with the number of Caucasian students representing 68.90% of the student population. According to the District's report, 35% of students receive Free and Reduced lunch and 17.19% receive Special Education services. I think it is an accurate assessment that the Northern part of the district is more conservative and the Southern part of the District is more liberal. While a growing student population has been predicted, enrollment has been down the past few years, which is partially to blame for the million dollar budget deficits the past two school years.