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School board approves Afrocentric redesign for Benjamin E. Mays, to open in 2026
Summary
The Saint Paul Public Schools Board approved a resolution to redesign Benjamin E. Mays as an Afrocentric elementary program, after the district and community completed additional engagement and agreed on a revised timeline to open the program in 2026.
The Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a plan for Benjamin E. Mays Elementary School to become a redesigned Afrocentric elementary program, with a projected opening in the 2026 school year.
Board and district leaders said the vote follows additional community engagement and a pause last year after concerns from Benjamin E. Mays families and staff. Superintendent Dr. John Tine told the board the district had paused the effort in late 2024 to allow more listening and reconciliation with the school community, and that a principal on special assignment will lead implementation work ahead of the 2026 launch.
Supporters said the program will center instruction and curriculum on the African American experience, while offering…
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