Minneapolis School Board Reviews Plans for New Anishinabe Academy Building

The Minneapolis Board of Education reviewed detailed proposals for constructing a new Anishinabe Academy during its May 12 meeting. The district is considering two architectural options for the new facility, which will be built on the site of the closed Cooper School following demolition. The first option is a three-story building serving grades K-8 with a maximum cost of $105 million, while the second is a two-story elementary school (PK-5) costing up to $80 million. Board members may select an option as early as June, targeting a school opening in the 2027-28 academic year, funded through the district’s capital budget. Additionally, the board received public comments opposing cuts to the music program at Bethune Magnet School and discussed improvements to student educational pathways, noting inconsistencies in Pre-K availability. A preliminary review of the next fiscal year’s budget was presented without discussion. The board also debated updating public comment policies to prioritize students, staff, and parents, a move one member criticized as a logistical challenge. Approximately 50 people attended the session.