Education headlines
Daily news stories
Stories from media sources around the state, updated Monday through Friday:
Friday, Feb. 7, 2025
Star Tribune
Duluth schools poised to eliminate athletics and activities directors as cuts loom
Duluth is among school districts across the state struggling to keep up with costs.
These Minnesota teachers found ways for students to talk politics in class
Classroom rules and lessons on understanding multiple perspectives are helping foster respectful discourse among history and civics students.
Trump’s order forces MSHSL to re-examine policy on transgender athletes in girls sports
Under the order signed Wednesday by President Donald Trump, federal agencies will be required to ensure athletic associations and schools that receive federal funding abide by the ruling.
ABC 6 | KSTP
In Trump’s quest to close the Education Department, Congress and his own agenda may get in the way
President Donald Trump is preparing to gut the U.S. Education Department to the full extent of his power, directing his administration to slash spending while pressuring employees to quit. Yet his promise to close the department is colliding with another reality: Most of its spending — and its very existence — is ordered by Congress.
Local Minnesotans react to House DFL/GOP power-sharing agreement
It’s been more than three weeks since the start of Minnesota’s legislative session, and no work has been done in the House.
KSTP/SurveyUSA poll results: Lower taxes, health care and stopping fraud are top issues
At some point after the Minnesota House settles its political stalemate, legislators will start focusing on issues. When they do, lawmakers will find that Minnesotans want them to focus on lowering taxes, addressing health care and stopping fraud in state government spending, according to the latest KSTP/SurveyUSA poll.
Rochester senators present bipartisan Bridges to Healthcare bill
A new bill co-authored by Senators Liz Boldon and Carla Nelson of Rochester would support a healthcare career program.
Minnesota Department of Education testifies regarding potential federal funding freeze
The Minnesota Department of Education testified at the State Capitol on Tuesday about the impact of President Donald Trump’s potential federal funding freeze.
President standing firm to abolish Department of Education, possible MN impacts looming
Mixed feelings are starting to brew as President Donald Trump continues to hold firm on dismantling the Department of Education (ED).
Eden Prairie Local News
14 EP teachers are candidates for 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year
Education Minnesota has announced that 14 Eden Prairie Schools teachers are being considered for the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award – the highest number of nominations for a district in the state.
FOX 9
MN legislators brace for potential federal education dismantling
Minnesota legislators are trying to figure out how hard-hit students and teachers will be if President Trump follows through on threats to dismantle the federal Department of Education.
MSHSL will follow MN law on transgender athletes in sports, not Pres. Trump’s order
The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) says that transgender student-athletes’ eligibility to participate in sports is determined by state law, not President Donald Trump’s recent Executive Order banning transgender athletes from women’s or girl’s sports.
Lakeland PBS
4 Educators from Lakeland Viewing Area Up for 2025 MN Teacher of the Year
Education Minnesota announced today that 142 teachers are candidates to become the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, and that initial group of candidates includes several from the Lakeland viewing area.
KEYC News Now
Mankato teacher up for Minnesota Teacher of the Year
A recent Golden Apple Award winner and Mankato teacher is one of those nominated for 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.
KNSI
Four Central Minnesota Educators Named Semifinalists for 2025 Teacher of the Year
Four central Minnesota teachers are in the running to be named Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year.
MinnPost
Three weeks and many court hearings later, a tied Minnesota House figures out how to share power … again
A deal reached Wednesday night included wins for both Republicans and DFLers after a battle over how to handle a tied House that became an untied House with the expectation that it will be retied again next month.
MinnPost users guide to the Great 2025 Minnesota House Quorum Wars
A Thursday court hearing could determine whether House Republicans can make DFLers attend the legislative session to reach quorum.
Rochester Post Bulletin
9 Rochester-area teachers nominated for Minnesota Teacher of the Year
The candidates include four teachers from Rochester Public Schools.
Sahan Journal
Freeze on University of Minnesota DEI position alarms students, faculty
With millions of dollars in federal funding at stake, the University is walking a careful line to comply with Trump’s executive orders. But some say the U is engaging in “anticipatory compliance.”
WCCO
Annandale community raises $110K, with hopes for more, after school levy fails
When a $1.5 million school levy failed in November, a group of Annandale parents decided to try and raise money to save teachers’ jobs.
Legislation in Minnesota Senate would require quick notice to parents of any fights, bullying at schools
School safety was in the spotlight in a Minnesota Senate education committee on Wednesday as lawmakers discussed plans to increase the speed and frequency of parental notification of any incident that happens in classrooms or on campus.
North Branch Area Public Schools closed Thursday due to power outage
North Branch Area Public Schools will be closed on Thursday due to a power outage, according to district officials.
School supplies would be exempt from sales tax under Minnesota Senate proposal
Minnesota families could see a tax break when their kids go back to school under a proposal up for consideration in the state Senate.
What will happen to Minnesota schools if the Department of Education is dismantled?
The Trump administration now says it may dismantle the Department of Education. So, what could happen to Minnesota kids and schools if it goes away?
WJON
Three Local Teachers Among Candidates for MN Teacher of the Year
Karrie Fredrickson of Sartell-St. Stephen, Jill Zimpel of Sauk Rapids-Rice, and Chris Ann Johnson of the St. Cloud Area Schools are among the candidates.
Education Minnesota press releases
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
Education Minnesota endorses Clark in special election for state Senate
Walz education budget promises needed stability, but pay and pension proposals need another look
