A special committee for Robbinsdale Area Public Schools has recommended merging Cooper and Armstrong high schools into a single, newly constructed facility. The proposal, part of a five-year plan to address significant financial challenges, was presented to the school board this week by a group of community members, parents, and staff.
The recommendation aims to create a modern learning environment and consolidate resources, but it also raises questions about community identity, student opportunities, and the potential cost to taxpayers. The school board will review the detailed proposal in the coming months before making a final decision.
Key Takeaways
- A 35-person committee, Reimagine Rdale: Vision 2030, has proposed merging Cooper and Armstrong high schools due to financial issues.
- The new consolidated high school would have an estimated enrollment of 2,900 students, making it the third-largest in Minnesota.
- Proponents cite the potential for improved facilities, particularly for fine arts, and a more unified student experience.
- Concerns include increased competition for athletics and the financial burden on taxpayers for a new building.
- The school board is expected to review recommendations through November and could vote on school closures for the 2026-27 school year in December.
Financial Pressures Prompt Major Recommendation
Robbinsdale Area Public Schools is facing serious financial difficulties, leading a district-appointed committee to explore transformative solutions. After eight months of study, the Reimagine Rdale: Vision 2030 group formally recommended consolidating the district's two high schools, Cooper and Armstrong.
The proposal suggests building a new, unified high school to serve all students in the district. This move is presented as a long-term strategy to streamline operations, reduce overhead costs, and invest in state-of-the-art educational facilities for future generations.
Enrollment and Scale
Currently, Armstrong High School has an enrollment of 1,518 students, while Cooper High School has 1,003. A combined school would serve approximately 2,900 students. This would place the new Robbinsdale high school among the largest in the state, behind only Wayzata (3,533) and Minnetonka (3,353).
The recommendation is not final. Derrick Williams, the district’s interim director of communications, clarified the committee's role. “It’s far too early to know what anything would look like in terms of combining our two high schools, or if that will even be the direction of the school board,” Williams stated, emphasizing that these are initial recommendations for consideration.
A Vision for a Unified High School
Members of the Vision 2030 committee toured several modern high school facilities, including those in Shakopee and White Bear Lake, to understand the potential benefits of a new building. Willie Howard, the activities director at Cooper High School and a key presenter of the plan, was particularly impressed by what he saw.
“The opportunity to go on the tour and see the possibilities,” Howard said, “knowing that I’ve had four kids go through [Cooper], and to see what that experience could have been.”
Howard highlighted the advanced amenities in other districts, especially for arts education. “You know what really drew my attention was the dedicated space for the fine arts,” he noted. “And just really being able to see multiple auditoriums and private spaces for students to zero in on finding themselves in the arts. Whereas right now, we try to do our best.”
Creating a New Identity
A crucial part of the proposal involves creating a completely new identity for the consolidated school. Proponents argue that this step is essential to unite the student bodies of two long-standing rivals.
The plan calls for a new school nickname, new colors, and new uniforms. Howard stressed the importance of a fresh start, “making sure we don’t glorify one high school and then eliminate another. Starting fresh and being able to then also recognize the proud history and legacy for the previous high schools.”
Existing Athletic Cooperation
Cooper and Armstrong already have a history of collaboration in athletics. The two schools have formed cooperative teams in several sports, including girls hockey, soccer, lacrosse, boys swimming, and Alpine skiing. This existing partnership provides a model for how a larger merger could function.
Community and Student Considerations
While the proposal offers potential benefits, the committee also acknowledged the challenges a merger would create. One significant concern is the increased competition for limited spots in extracurricular activities, particularly varsity sports.
“While combining schools creates new opportunities, it could also become more competitive for students to earn a spot on certain teams and groups,” said Vision 2030 team member BriAnn Foss. “Undoubtedly, this would require the district to hold tryouts, and some students might not make the team.”
The personal impact on students was also a topic of discussion. Willie Howard shared an anecdote about his son, Jaxon Howard, a Cooper graduate who now plays football for the University of Minnesota.
“My son said, ‘Dad, what’s taken so long for this? It’s been so hard growing up — you go to middle school and play youth sports with your best friends, and then all of a sudden, when you hit ninth grade, half of them go to [another] high school.’”
This sentiment suggests that for some students, a unified high school could strengthen community bonds that are currently split after middle school.
The Road Ahead: Timelines and Taxpayer Impact
The most significant hurdle for building a new high school is the cost. The project would require the district to ask voters to approve a bond referendum, which would increase property taxes for residents.
School board members are acutely aware of this challenge. At the meeting, board member Kim Holmes expressed this concern directly. “I don’t want to break the backs of our community,” she said, highlighting the financial strain on local families.
The district has laid out a preliminary timeline for reviewing the recommendations:
- October 6 and 13: The school board will hear more detailed presentations on the Vision 2030 recommendations.
- End of November: Final recommendations on school buildings will be submitted to the board for review.
- December 8: The school board may hold a vote on any school closures planned for the 2026-27 academic year.
The coming months will involve extensive public discussion as the school board weighs the financial realities, educational benefits, and community impact of this significant proposal.
