Minneapolis Board of Education - Special Meeting

1250 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55411 Minneapolis, MN 55411 (Directions)

The board voted 5-2 not to approve contracts to replace playgrounds at Bryn Mawr, Pratt and Kenwood Elementary Schools.

The board called this special meeting to allow more time to discuss accessibility needs. Members were concerned that the current plans were not accessible enough. For example, some called for the use of wood chips, which prevent access to wheelchair users. Board members agreed that they needed to bring specific requests to the contractors.

Staff said that delaying approval could mean additional costs and delays in completion. Even a one-month delay could prevent the playgrounds from being ready for next school year, they said.