Education

With state income and sales tax revenues crashing, one expert predicts, "We're about to see a school funding crisis unlike anything we have ever seen in modern history."

Loughlin is facing two months in prison and a $150,000 fine, according to the recommendations of the plea agreement. Her husband is facing five months in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Minnesota schools will end the year with students and teachers separated. For many teachers, losing physical contact with students is the hardest part of distance learning. Moorhead kindergarten teacher Karla Brewster talked about maintaining relationships with students in a time of distance learning.

Members of the Prairie Island Indian Community say there’s a silver lining for their heritage in this chaotic time. By moving Dakota language classes online, they are attracting more tribe members than ever. 

The graduating class of 2020 in Austin may not get a traditional high school ceremony. Instead, they will get their name on the marquee of the historic Paramount Theatre.

Like so many sectors of the economy, higher education is taking a big hit from the pandemic. The U.S. Department of Education has so far distributed more than $10 billion in relief funds to colleges.

“Making the decision to cancel camp was honestly one of the hardest things I’ve done in the 26 years I’ve worked at Girl Scouts, because girls in the out-of-doors is core to what we believe in,” said Leigh Ann Davis, CEO for the Lakes and Pines council.

K-12 schools will be allowed to open their doors to students for a hybrid model of in-person and distance learning starting this summer. Gov. Tim Walz has given the go-ahead for summer school, day camps, and district-based child care as long as they can follow public health guidelines on sanitation and physical distancing.

A top pediatrician calls for reopening schools as soon as possible because of the negative impact the shutdown is having on students' learning and mental health.

District officials say the plan would narrow the achievement gap between students of color and white students. But many families say the possible changes are adding to already high levels of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.