Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Tom Weber
St. Paul, Minn.

Perpich Center considers taking over East Metro Integration District's 2 schools

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

The future of two East Metro Integration District schools might involve the state-run Perpich Center for Arts Education.

Leaders of the East Metro Integration District (EMID) are discussing the district's future, including whether to close Harambee Elementary in Maplewood and Crosswinds Arts & Science School in Woodbury.

The little-known district was created in the 1990s as a co-op, of sorts. It drew students from 10 east metro districts, including St. Paul, to create integrated schools.

One option being considered is to keep the schools open but have another entity operate them.

The head of the Perpich Center, Sue Mackert, has met with EMID parents, as well as interim superintendent Jerry Robicheau and state Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius. Cassellius is a former EMID superintendent.

Mackert said she wants the schools to stay open but it's up to EMID to decide.

"We'll play whatever role we feel is appropriate for the Perpich Center and for the viability of maintaining these schools," Mackert said.

Mackert said EMID and Perpich already have several "synergies." Crosswinds already has a large focus on arts and several of its alums have attended Perpich; EMID currently offers grades K-10, while Perpich offers 11th and 12th grade, which would potentially complete the K-12 cycle; and both entities have, as a major tenant, operations that offer professional development and youth programming to teachers and students outside their schools.

"Their educational delivery and the cultural emphasis and the teaching of the whole student very much mirrors what we try to help schools do," Mackert said.

It's unclear what kind of state legislation would be needed if Perpich were to assume control of the two schools; the school operates as an independent state agency with a campus and dorms in Golden Valley.

The EMID board which is made up of one school board member from each of the 10 member districts is scheduled to decide the schools' fates by year's end.

Christina Gillette, the chair of the EMID board and also a member of the West St. Paul school board, said discussions are still too preliminary to know whether Perpich and EMID have a future together. Mackert will speak at an EMID board meeting later this month.

The interim superintendent of EMID, Jerry Robicheau, did not return calls seeking comment.