Supporters struggle to keep Crosswinds school open

Supporters of an east metro school that appears likely to close are hoping to get a last-minute reprieve.

The East Metro Integration District (EMID) was created 20 years ago to form two arts and science magnet schools dedicated to integration.

Supporters have struggled to keep the two schools, in Woodbury and Maplewood, open in recent years after the EMID board said it could not afford to fund the schools.

During this year's legislative session they asked lawmakers to transfer the schools' operation to other districts, but that effort failed.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Now it appears one of the schools, Harambee, will remain open under the operation of the Roseville district.

The fate of the other school, Crosswinds, is less certain. If a similar deal isn't reached soon for Crosswinds, it could be closed.

Eric Celeste, whose son has attended Crosswinds, said the EMID board is running out of time to keep the school open.

"Teachers at Crosswinds already have other positions at many districts around the metro area," Celeste said. "Many families have made a Plan B in case the school does close. There is a significant challenge ahead to keeping Crosswinds open."

The Perpich Center for the Arts is expected to present a proposal to the EMID board in July to take over operation of Crosswinds.