Turnaround Arts: Minnesota

Nestled in North Minneapolis, Bethune School is in the heart of a community that struggles with poverty, homelessness, and violence. Ninety-nine percent of the predominantly African American student population qualifies for free or reduced lunch. Over the past ten years, the school has been a rotating door to students, teaching staff, and administration. Despite receiving a School Improvement Grant in 2010, academics and attendance improved by only 5 percent over the last three years. Recognizing the school’s failure, the Minneapolis Superintendent and her administrative team listened to the community and decided that the school should be revitalized, not closed or fresh-started. In 2014, Bethune is receiving a new principal who volunteered to lead turnaround efforts, nearly one fifth newly hired staff, increased arts teacher staffing, and a clear mission and direction. Together, they are ready to make the school into a beacon of hope and success, and the principal and her staff see the Turnaround Arts opportunity as a jump start to bring that change.