November 24, 1999 - Duluth's three Edison Schools will keep their charter for three more years. Last night the Duluth school board narrowly voted to renew the contract after more than two hours of contentious debate. Critics -- and even some allies -- of Edison Schools, Inc., a for-profit company based in New York, said the vote was premature because the contract does not expire until next summer. New school board members set to take office in January are known to oppose the Edisons schools. But Edison proponents said they need to know where they stand with the Duluth board in order to properly plan for the next school year.
November 30, 1999 - Saint Paul school district officials say they want more public input on their plans to end the social promotion of students. School board members and administrators discussed the proposed promotion and retention policy last night. But a final vote won't come until early next year.
December 7, 1999 - The Minnesota State Board of Education officially disolves at the end of the month after 80 years of shaping public school policies. The nine-member citizen panel holds its final regular meeting today, and as Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports the board is not leaving quietly.
December 14, 1999 - The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities board of trustees must soon decide the future of an aging technical college. MinnesotaSCU officials say the Anoka-Hennepin Technical College needs at least 30-million dollars in repairs, which they cannot afford to make. A plan to close the school and relocate its programs is angering students, faculty and local residents.
December 20, 1999 - Central High School in Pipestone, is one of the worst school buildings in the state. Several classrooms and the auditorium are closed by order of the fire marshal. In theory, everyone agrees the school is in bad shape and the consolidated district needs a new one. What they can't agree on is a plan for the new school, and if the town's agricultural-based economy can afford it. Residents vote tomorrow on a 20 million dollar bond referendum. Minnesota Public Radio's Cara Hetland says the issue that's divided the town, has also left students at Central thinking about the future.
December 27, 1999 - As part of our Voices of Minnesota series, MPR’s Dan Olson profiles Internationally acclaimed singer and actor Joe Carter, who talks about his life and career.
January 5, 2000 - Saint Paul Public School officials say recent test scores indicate their schools and students are moving in the right direction. District leaders today (Wednesday) released results from last fall's Metropolitan Achievement Tests, which show gains at nearly every grade level and in most schools. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports... Saint Paul Superintendent Pat Harvey began the school year last fall by turning up the heat on the district's failing schools. Eleven schools where test scores and graduations rates had fallen too low were placed on acacdemic probation. And her accountability measures raised classroom expectations throughout the district. Harvey says the results of last fall's round of the Metropolitan Achievement Test, seventh edition, also known as
January 7, 2000 - St. Paul school officials are seeking public input on plans to end social promotion in the district. Last night, Superintendent Pat Harvey and school board members outlined the plan during a forum at Central High School. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports. NARRATION: During the presentation, Superintendent Harvey made it clear she believes social promotion produces more harm than good. Harvey said students should advance to higher grade levels only after meeting requirements.
January 27, 2000 - MPR’s Lorna Benson interviews Verna Simpkins on the new Girl Scouts patch to honor Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen.
February 28, 2000 - The February edition of "Voices of Minnesota" featuring retired University of Minnesota Afro-American Studies history professor Geneva Southall and Northfield dancer and choreographer Mary Easter. Geneva Southall is speaking at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Stephanie Curtis invus Easter in the first part of the program.