Growing enrollment poses latest challenge for Minneapolis Public Schools

The Minneapolis school district is proposing a five-year, $50 million plan for schools and academic programs to deal with an expected increase in enrollment, and to attract more students, in coming years.

District officials estimate an enrollment increase of 3,000 students over the next five years. This fall they say Minneapolis Public Schools saw an increase of about 600 students, the first growth in a decade. Enrollment is just over 34,000 now.

The enrollment plan proposes all-day kindergarten for every Minneapolis school, expands early childhood programs and adds a college prep program for first-generation college students. It would also open new education programs, career academies and a performing arts schools.

The plan could affect more than 8,000 students by shifting school attendance boundaries, or by combining some academic programs. One of the proposal's priorities is that students attend schools close to home. Twelve buildings would require renovations or additions.

District officials will hold listening sessions to take input on the enrollment plan in the coming weeks.

• Tuesday, Oct. 1, 6-8 p.m., Anwatin Middle School, 256 Upton Avenue S.

• Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6-8 p.m., Ramsey Middle School, 1 West 49th Street.

• Thursday, Oct. 10, 6-8 p.m., Northrop Urban Environmental, 4315 31st Avenue S.

• Monday, Oct. 14, 6-8 p.m., Northeast Middle School, 955 Hayes Street NE.