The MFPS Family Agenda

A school board account­able to our families 

Minneapolis Families for Public Schools is aiming to talk to 1 in 10 families in the district to share our experiences and shape the governing agenda for the new school board.

What do you want on the agenda?

Fill out our survey:

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Our school board is meant to represent us. 

But for years now the board has operated like a rubber stamp for district leadership’s agenda, instead of stepping up to govern with and for us. A new school board will be seated this winter and we are organizing for something different: a democratic, accountable body of elected leaders – not followers – who prioritize listening to our community, name what they’re going to change,how they’re going to do it, and communicate clearly with families every step of the way. What do you want to see the new school board work on in their first 100 days?

A community member speaks at the state capitol in support of public schools surrounded by team members holding signs in support.

FAQs

What is the MFPS slate?

The MFPS slate is a group of candidates for school board endorsed by MFPS members. The slate includes Abdul Abdi (D1), Shannon Gibney (D3), Becca Dryden (D5), and Christin Crabtree (at-large).

Shannon, Becca, and Christin met organizing as MFPS members in 2025 to win smaller class sizes and more resources for special education as Minneapolis Federation of Educators negotiated their contract. They built strong organizing relationships throughout the federal occupation of Minnesota as they organized parent patrols, coordinated mutual aid, and campaigned to abolish ICE. Abdul Abdi was the only sitting board member to show up alongside families and educators organizing patrols and mutual aid.

This is how the MFPS-endorsed slate was formed. But their work is much bigger than responding to a crisis. It’s about making a serious choice to be leaders to make MPS the best place to go to school in the city. 

This slate of candidates intends to govern together, to clearly communicate and make decisions with families about district operations, and put more funding behind strategies to grow enrollment in MPS.

How can I get involved?

Fill out our survey from one of the links above.

Stay tuned for more information on upcoming working sessions focused on topics like the following:

  • Transportation

  • Somali student and family support

  • Special education

  • Potential school closures vs. increasing enrollment to stabilize our district