Perpich Center to take over Crosswinds School

An east metro public school that faced closure will stay open for at least one more year. The Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley has agreed to take over operation of Crosswinds School in Woodbury.

Crosswinds is part of the East Metro Integration District, created 20 years ago to bring integrated schools to the area. But the arts and science magnet was threatened with closure after the district said it couldn't afford to operate the school.

With students in grade six through 10, Crosswinds is a great fit for the Perpich Center, said Perpich executive director Sue Mackert.

The 300-plus Crosswinds kids won't notice many changes when they go back to school in the fall, she said.

"We understand the student profile of Crosswinds," Mackert added. "We certainly understand and have looked into the state's investment in integration, and we understand the impact of an arts integrated curriculum. We will have a wonderful group of teachers and staff that will be able to support the culture that exists now that will continue."

Perpich will seek permanent ownership of the school next legislative session.

The Roseville school district has taken over the other school in the East Metro Integration District and plans to ask for a similar ownership transfer next year.