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SLEEPY EYE – The District 84 Board of Education learned about a new "Innovation Zone" from Superintendent John Cselovszki Wednesday.
Enacted by the 2017 Legislature, Innovation Research Zone Pilot projects allow school districts and charter schools an opportunity to test new K-12 education ideas by partnering with other districts to try new things with less red tape and paperwork from the state.
Cselovszki said the school district could become part of the South Central group including a number of southern Minnesota schools.
"All schools should have access for students to work on two-year college degrees online by working together with other schools including South Central College," Cselovszki said. "Each district would manage it's own program. We're taking 'baby steps' now. This allows us to compete with bigger schools. The South Central Service Cooperative is working with us on this."
Cselovszki said Innovation Zones would also work with local and area businesses and industry to create educational programs that meet demands of area employers.
"I think it's awesome," said District 84 board member Joleen Dittbenner.
To participate in pilot projects created to improve student and school outcomes, two or more school districts must collaborate with school staff and receive formal school board approval to form a partnership, according to the Minnesota Department of Education application.
Partnerships must develop plans to provide challenging options for students, create professional development opportunities for teachers, increase student engagement and connection, and challenge student learning opportunities.
In addition, projects may demonstrate financial and other efficiencies.
The board also unanimously approved:
• Re-electing Chairwoman Darla Remus, Vice Chairman Casey Coulson, Clerk Shiela Wurtzberger and Treasurer Joleen Dittbenner.
• A 2019-2022 Flexible Learning Year (FLY) application.