Michael Baskins, a 37‑year‑old avionics engineer who moved to Minneapolis in 2018, announced his candidacy for an at‑large seat on the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) board. Baskins says his goal is to give parents confidence that their children will receive the best education in the state.

Why Baskins Is Running

“The current board has lacked the leadership needed for our district,” Baskins told the Sahan Journal. He cited a series of challenges that have built up over the past few years, including frequent turnover among administrators and what he described as mismanagement of federal and state funding. Those issues, he says, have contributed to recurring deficits and sporadic layoffs.

Baskins also highlighted concerns voiced by parents about class size, school climate, discipline practices and whether students are getting the education they deserve. He argues that the board’s stated priorities often do not match its actions, creating a transparency gap that must be closed.

Transparency and Accountability

According to Baskins, the board has failed to provide clear, long‑term goals for both student performance and financial health. “Over the last five years the board has not offered clarity on strategic objectives or how tax dollars are being spent,” he said. He wants a board that publishes detailed financial analyses and performance metrics, allowing parents to see exactly how resources are allocated.

He also urged the board to delay any further school‑closure votes until a comprehensive, publicly available analysis is presented. While not opposed to closing schools when necessary, Baskins insists that any closure must be backed by a clear financial justification and demonstrable benefits for students, such as reduced class sizes or increased program resources.

Class Size, Resources and Programs

The district, Baskins notes, struggles with larger-than‑desired class sizes in some schools, limited extracurricular and advanced‑course offerings, and low proficiency rates on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments. He believes reorganization could help redirect resources to where they are most needed, but only if a transparent plan is shared with the community.

He also expressed support for expanding the Spanish immersion program, arguing that excess classroom capacity could be used to meet demand for popular programs.

What Parents Can Expect

If elected, Baskins says he will push for a holistic, long‑term approach to governing MPS. He wants a clear financial forecast that shows any transformation is a one‑time effort, not a gradual “drip” that creates uncertainty for families.

He also called for the finance department to improve oversight and restore staff stability after recent turnover and external audits.

Looking Ahead

Voters will choose two at‑large board members in the upcoming election. Baskins’ platform centers on transparency, responsible budgeting, and ensuring that every child receives a high‑quality education in a stable school environment.

Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.