Education News

MPR News keeps track of the latest education news in Minnesota so you can understand the events shaping the future of learning and how it impacts students at any level.

Stay informed about local education events, policies and more happening in schools and colleges across Minnesota.

 Minnesota lawmakers OK school policy changes on cell phones, book bans, literacy
The bill approved Wednesday also requires students be offered mental health instruction. It heads to Gov. Tim Walz’s desk for signing. Some Republicans criticized the measure as unnecessarily burdensome on schools.
Hinckley-Finlayson schools face blowback for banning Native drum group at graduation
A northeastern Minnesota school district with a large Native American student population is facing blowback after its board voted to forbid a tribal drum group from singing at its upcoming high school graduation ceremony.
Edelson wins Hennepin County Board seat in special election
DFL state Rep. Heather Edelson will fill a vacant seat on the Hennepin County Board, after winning a special election on Tuesday. There were mixed results for school district referendum questions on the ballot around the state.
College leaders beg Minnesotans to submit FAFSA to get financial aid for school
As of May 3, only 33 percent of Minnesota high school seniors had completed applications for financial aid, down nearly 16 percent compared to last year. College advocates say that could lead to declining enrollment next fall.
Former St. Kate’s dean accused of swindling $400K from school
A former St. Catherine University dean and a man she had a romantic relationship with are both charged with allegedly embezzling more than $400,000 from the small St. Paul private school. 
Rochester Public Schools move to formalize procedure for helping transgender kids
Around the state, school districts have or are in the process of developing guidelines aimed at helping transgender and gender-nonconforming kids navigate school. One such district is Rochester, where new guidance issued last fall has led to contentious school board meetings.