Reporter | Minneapolis K-12 schools

A native South Dakotan and a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's journalism college, Klecker has always called the Midwest home. She's worked on journalism projects in Ecuador, Nicaragua and Nepal. In her free time, she can be found reading, hiking or planning her next international trip.


Extra attention for students helps Minnesota schools shrink graduation gap

Districts have emphasized those individual supports amid recovery from the pandemic.


'Crash! Bang! It Sank!' Minnesota preschoolers make own version of Titanic movie

The filmmakers — ages 3 to 6 — began their project when one student brought in a photo of the ship for show and tell.


Quacking in class? Ducklings imprint on Stillwater High students

Retiring teacher Andy Weaver has long incorporated ducks — and many other animals — in hands-on biology projects for students.


Minnesotans see first census count of same-sex married couples as sign of acceptance

Before the addition of the new box in 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau had a history of altering data reported by same-sex married couples.


Minnesota farm recycles school lunch leftovers to feed thousands of pigs

Barthold Farms in St. Francis picks up food scraps from several area schools in the Food to Hog program.


Minneapolis district aims to reinstall licensed librarian at each school

Bucking the state and national trend of cutting librarian positions amid budget crunches, MPS' proposed budget includes a part-time librarian position for each school.


Rev. Patricia 'Pat' Hawley, one of the early female Lutheran pastors, dies

She quietly led efforts toward inclusion and women's rights inside and outside the church.


Why metal lockers are going the way of chalkboards in Minnesota high schools

Lockers, once a rite of passage and a meetup space, are nearly obsolete among today's teens.


Months after controversy over Islamic artwork, Hamline president plans to retire

Miller became school's second female president in 2015. Last days will be in summer of 2024.


Will Mpls. have to close some schools? Question raised as district faces enrollment drop

School board Chair Sharon El-Amin says the "time is now" to start the conversation that could include closing or consolidating schools.