How diversity in Pelican Rapids schools is changing how school works there

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A dramatic reflection of rural Minnesota's changing demographics lies in Pelican Rapids' recent inclusion in a state integration program that grew from efforts to desegregate schools in urban areas. Consider this statistic: nearly one-half of Pelican Rapids second graders come from homes where English is not spoken. That number along with other measures of diversity in Pelican Rapids schools forced the district into a program that now requires Pelican Rapids to work with neighboring school districts which are far less diverse. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports on the program and broader concerns about how so-called "integration revenue" money is spent.

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Digitization made possible by the State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, approved by voters in 2008.

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