Fact Check: Are MN schools closed tomorrow?

Are MN Schools Closed Tomorrow?

The claim regarding whether Minnesota schools are closed tomorrow appears to stem from a query about school schedules, particularly in light of potential holidays or breaks. This article will explore the available information regarding school closures in Minnesota, focusing on the context of the claim and the reliability of the sources.

What We Know

School Calendar Overview: Minnesota schools traditionally observe a variety of holidays and breaks throughout the academic year. According to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), state offices are closed on specific holidays, but these do not necessarily dictate school closures 1 2.
MEA Weekend: Minnesota schools typically close for the Minnesota Educators Association (MEA) weekend, which occurs on the second-to-last Thursday and Friday in October. This year, MEA weekend falls on October 19 and 20, 2023, which means many schools will be closed on these dates 4 9.
Individual District Calendars: Each school district in Minnesota may have its own calendar that outlines specific closures. For example, the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) calendar indicates that schools are closed during MEA weekend 3. Other districts, such as Saint Paul Public Schools, also follow similar patterns 6.
Current Closures: For real-time updates on school closures, CBS Minnesota provides a list of current school closings and delays due to various reasons, including weather 5. However, as of the time of this writing, there is no indication of widespread closures beyond the scheduled MEA break.

Analysis

The question of whether schools are closed tomorrow can be answered with a focus on the specific date in question. If tomorrow falls on October 19 or 20, 2023, then many schools in Minnesota will indeed be closed due to the MEA weekend. However, if the inquiry pertains to a different date, the answer may vary based on the specific district's calendar.

Source Evaluation

Minnesota Department of Education (MDE): The MDE is a reliable source for official school-related information, including holiday schedules and closures. Their information is grounded in state law and educational policy 1 2.
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS): The MPS website provides accurate and up-to-date information about their school calendar, which is essential for understanding local closures 3.
MPR News: The article discussing MEA weekend provides historical context and current relevance, making it a credible source for understanding why schools close during this time 4.
CBS Minnesota: This news outlet offers timely updates on school closures and delays, which can be useful for immediate inquiries but may not provide comprehensive information about scheduled breaks 5.

Potential Conflicts of Interest

While the sources cited are generally reliable, it is important to note that local news outlets may have a bias towards sensational reporting, especially during weather-related events. Additionally, individual school districts may have their own agendas, particularly in how they communicate closures to the public.

Methodological Considerations

The information regarding school closures is primarily derived from official school calendars and news reports. However, real-time updates can vary, and it would be beneficial to have a centralized resource that aggregates all district calendars for easier access.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The claim that Minnesota schools are closed tomorrow is mostly true, particularly if the date in question is October 19 or 20, 2023, when many schools will indeed close for the MEA weekend. The evidence from reliable sources, including the Minnesota Department of Education and individual district calendars, supports this conclusion. However, it is essential to recognize that not all districts may follow the same schedule, and closures can vary based on specific local calendars.

There are limitations to the available evidence, as real-time updates on closures may not always be comprehensive, and individual district decisions can lead to discrepancies. Therefore, while the claim holds for the specified dates, it may not apply universally across all Minnesota school districts.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding school closures and consult local district calendars or reliable news sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.