Two Minnesota schools contemplate merging

Dakota County Technical School and Inver Hills Neighborhood School are contemplating a merger to consolidate sources and stave off enrollment declines, The Minnesota Star Tribune reported.

The 2 establishments, solely 9 miles aside, already collectively make use of 64 workers and have shared a president since 2015. Officers on the schools estimate merging would save about $500,000 yearly. As part of the Minnesota State system, which incorporates 33 public schools and universities, the 2 schools would want permission from the Minnesota State Board of Trustees to merge. The universities’ accreditor, the Increased Studying Fee, would additionally should log off on the plan.

Michael Berndt, president of the universities since 2020, advised the Star Tribune that merging would “create a richer, stronger expertise for college students.”

“We’d be capable to supply 100 applications of examine, strong, inclusive assist providers and intensive enterprise and neighborhood partnerships,” he stated.

5 small Minnesota neighborhood schools beforehand made an identical transfer, merging in 2022.

College members really feel some trepidation concerning the potential merger, Laura Funke, an English teacher at Inver Hills, advised the Star Tribune.

There’s “nervous pleasure” about collaborating with Dakota County Technical School college members, she stated. “On the identical time, college are tense about points equivalent to potential layoffs, closing of applications and seniority. We stay up for working intently with the DCTC college to make sure that college have a powerful voice in merger discussions.”