On Thursday, November 29, 146 parents, teachers and education administrators gathered at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Maple Grove to begin a journey for people of faith to repair, reimagine, and redefine Minnesota public schools.

Education stakeholders discussed why education should be seen as an issue of faith, examined ways to integrate schools by breaking down the divisions of society, and explored methods of aligning school funding with their values.

Public schools are important for our democracy and face real issues in addressing equity. Racial disparities in education are resulting in fragmentation and division, which impacts our communities and congregants. This gathering was the beginning of a partnership with a network of education stakeholders who will take their values of racial equity, health, wholeness and prosperity to the Capitol.

“New statewide leadership comes with the opportunity for a new discussion about the future of education. We must take our values to our Legislators and fight for racial equity, integration and funding to repair the structures within the school systems that cause inequities.” – Sue Budd, ISAIAH Education Task Force, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Minneapolis

The group of education supporters is planning to meet again in January to prepare for the legislative session.