Four Minneapolis schools to be shuttered

The Minneapolis School Board has given final approval to a plan to close schools, re-organize programs, and change busing - in an effort to save millions of dollars a year.

Read more about the new plan.

The "Changing School Options" plan won unanimous approval from the board Tuesday night. Four schools will close, while other programs will be moved. Every student will now live in one of three zones that will determine which school they're most likely to attend.

At the last minute, the board saved Pratt School from closure. School Board member Carla Bates says that move will ensure that Somali students from the nearby Cedar-Riverside neighborhood have a school to attend, especially after nearby Longfellow school closes.

But Bates also says she hopes Pratt's population will remain diverse.

"We're hoping it's going to be an integrated school and to maintain that and really work toward that," Bates said. "At the same time, though, really recognizing the special place for Somalis in this part of the city."

Most of the district's overhaul will take effect after this school year.