Education headlines
Daily news stories
Stories from media sources around the state, updated Monday through Friday:
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Pioneer Press
Education Department cuts half its staff as Trump vows to wind the agency down
The Education Department plans to lay off more than 1,300 of its employees as part of an effort to halve the organization’s staff — a prelude to President Donald Trump’s plan to dismantle the agency.
St. Paul students cut the ribbon for the world’s 200,000th Little Free Library
It’s the first of 200 libraries to be granted to Title I schools across the country, with books provided by Penguin Random House, part of an effort to expand children’s access to books.
The Education Department was created to ensure equal access. Who would do that in its absence?
Without the department, advocates worry the federal government would not look out in the same way for poor students, those still learning English, disabled students and racial and ethnic minorities.
Fox9
Minneapolis educators rally against potential special education cuts
Special education assistants, who help teachers in special needs classrooms, said the potential cuts would impact learning and pose a safety risk to vulnerable children.
KARE11
Minneapolis Public School deficit cuts prompt protest by union members
On Tuesday night, district leaders in Minneapolis provided an update on its budget deficit that it says has reached at least $75 million. Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams said to expect cuts, but couldn’t confirm yet where they’ll come from.
Minnesota Reformer
USDA cancels $18 million in funding for school meals and food banks in Minnesota
For fiscal year 2025, Minnesota had been awarded roughly $13.3 million to purchase food for schools, and an additional $4.7 million to cover products for food banks. Those funds will no longer be distributed.
MPR News
U.S. Education Department says it is cutting nearly half of all staff
The statement confirms “all divisions” within the agency will be hit by cuts, but also says it will continue to deliver programs protected by law “including formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grantmaking.”
Session Daily
House back to 67-all after DFL candidate wins District 40B special election
David Gottfried won Tuesday’s District 40B special election, a result that not only gives representation to parts of Roseville and Shoreview but could play a huge role in how the 2025 legislative session plays out.
Education Minnesota press releases
Minnesota educators and students could pay the price for federal chaosÂ
Teacher of the Year candidate field narrowed to 31 semifinalists
142 teachers are candidates for 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year
Education Minnesota responds to education executive orders
Minnesota NAEP scores hold steady while national averages decline
