John Murphy Reports

The StarTribune published a story today about the Robbinsdale School District losing 4% of its students last year.  The district has seen continuing losses in the number of students it serves.   According to the story, the district peaked in 1972 with more than 20,000 students.  In 2009, they expect to have 11,800 students.

The 4% decline was 477 students which translates in to nearly $2.5 million in state aid for education.  Many other first ring districts have had to deal with this over the years.  It’s the ebb and flow of families and their children.  District leaders will continue to have challenges making things work with less money.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will begin drainage improvements along Highway 55 this weekend.  The overall project will run from Fernbrook Lane in Plymouth out to County Road 116 in Medina.

This coming weekend, Highway 55 will be closed from County Road 101 in Plymouth out to County Road 116 in Medina.  Traffic will be rerouted to County Road 10.   I will likely just try to use Hackamore (County Road 47).

Feel free to contact Bee Thao at 651-366-4319 with questions about construction.  Mary McFarland Brooks is the contact with regard to road closures during the project.  She can be reached at 651-234-7506.  Both work for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).