Saint Paul Public Schools receive largest grant in district history

Saint Paul Public Schools receive largest grant in district history
3/8/2000 10:25 AM

The Saint Paul Public Schools have received a $2.35 million award from The McKnight Foundation to support the school district’s plan for Site Based Improvement. This is the largest private award in the history of the Saint Paul Public Schools.

Saint Paul Public Schools will use the $2.35 million to improve student achievement by involving more people in school decision making. Specifically, the school district will train school site councils — which include principals, teachers, staff, families, students and community members — to clearly define school goals, help shape school policy and procedures and solve problems. The award also will fund community dialogues, student forums and an evaluation of the plan to determine its effectiveness.

“When we created our strategic plan last summer, we made the creation of effective site councils at each school a priority,” said Superintendent Patricia Harvey. “In fact, it’s one of the improvement indicators listed in our strategic plan. We are pleased that the McKnight Foundation is willing to invest in our schools and students through this initiative.”

Site councils have existed in the Saint Paul Public Schools for about 10 years. At the start of this school year, about half of the district’s 70 schools had an active site council. By June 30 of this year, all schools will have a site council in place.

“This grant is part of the Foundation’s continuing emphasis on improving children’s lives,” said Rip Rapson, president of The McKnight Foundation. “We believe the site-based strategy is a key to higher academic achievement. It brings together and focuses all the people who can help children succeed in school, and it illustrates how powerful decision-making partnerships at the school and neighborhood level can be in giving students the support they need. The commitment of the entire Saint Paul school district to this plan is impressive and promises great potential for change throughout the system.”

Saint Paul Public Schools are currently seeking parents and community members willing to serve on their school’s site council. For more information about how join a site council, call your local school or call the Saint Paul Public Schools Office of Site Based Improvement at (651) 767-8347.