Minneapolis Public Schools begin longer school days Monday

KSTP Staff KSTP

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Students in Minneapolis Public Schools return from Spring Break Monday, meaning they will now begin their new schedule which will last the rest of the school year.

The new schedule will help make up class time lost during last month’s teachers’ strike.

While it’s always tough to come back after vacation, it may be a bit more so for Minneapolis parents and their kids, since school will be 42 minutes longer each day, and the year will also be longer.

Members of the Minneapolis Public School Board voted to approve the plan of making up 14 days of missed classes during a tense school board meeting on March 29. Not only did the meeting show how upset some parents and students were about the decision, but it also showed how frustrated some school board members felt.

Students in Minneapolis Public Schools return from Spring Break Monday, meaning they will now begin their new schedule which will last the rest of the school year.

“That’s not okay. I have not seen any evidence that you care for us. I do not feel cared for,” said one student.

“I refuse to make a sacrifice for someone’s education,” said another meeting attendee.

Minnesota State Statute does say any students going to public schools in grades 1-11 have to have at least 165 days in class.

The plan will also push back the last day to June 24.

When the decision was made, 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS spoke with some families who said they would have to change a lot of their plans – such as vacations, camps and work schedules – in order to adjust.

Metro Transit is also making adjustments with the new class schedule. Starting Monday, it is adjusting service on multiple routes in order to help the district with transportation.

According to Metro Transit, riders should also consider walking, biking, carpooling, or taking a later trip if possible due to buses likely being full immediately after school is dismissed.

You can also use the online Trip Planner tool to find which buses you need to take.