Advancing Literacy in Minneapolis Public Schools
Minneapolis Foundation funding will support eight full-time literacy positions at 10 high-need elementary schools.
The Minneapolis Foundation today announced a third year of literacy funding for Minneapolis Public Schools, awarding $1,140,513 to support literacy coaching and instructional support during the 2026–27 school year.
The grant will fund the salaries and benefits of eight full-time positions—seven literacy specialists and one literacy content lead—that will work with educators and school leaders at 10 high-need elementary schools. The specialists will provide sustained, job-embedded coaching to strengthen literacy instruction and support implementation of approaches grounded in the science of reading.
“Minneapolis Public Schools has identified literacy as a critical priority, and we’re proud to support the district in addressing this need,” said Patrice Relerford, Vice President of Collective Impact and Giving at the Minneapolis Foundation. “We know that changing how schools teach reading takes time, and we’re glad to support educators as they put new methods into practice.”
In 2023, Minnesota enacted the READ Act, which requires schools to use evidence-based instructional strategies and lessons. Implementing the law represents a significant shift for many schools and requires additional training and materials for educators.
“We are grateful for the Minneapolis Foundation’s continued partnership as we focus on improving literacy,” said Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams, Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. “This sustained support will strengthen our work and help ensure that all of our students have the tools they need to become confident readers.”
The literacy specialists will be embedded in schools based on each school’s needs. Specialists will work at least four days per week at Bethune, Folwell, Webster, and Hmong International Academy, and at least two days per week at Whittier, Hiawatha, Dowling, Nellie Stone Johnson, Cityview, and Lucy Laney elementary schools.
Minnesota schools continue to work to reverse pandemic-related learning loss and close educational opportunity gaps. At the same time, MPS faces significant budget constraints. Philanthropic support will allow the district to maintain literacy coaching that would otherwise be difficult to sustain.
The Minneapolis Foundation and a group of its fundholders first awarded $1 million to MPS for literacy specialists in 2024. The continued investment will enable the school district to maintain dedicated literacy coaching during a critical period of READ Act implementation.
This grant aligns with the Minneapolis Foundation’s Reimagine Education initiative, which supports metro-area schools, school districts, and organizations working to advance equity in Minnesota’s K–12 education system. The Foundation’s 2026 Reimagine Education grants will be announced this fall.
