287 Quick Facts
Background
Intermediate District 287, one of three intermediate districts in the state, was founded in 1967 by a group of school districts seeking to provide students with vocational education. Since then, District 287 has grown to serve nearly 10,000 students annually in the areas of special education, gifted education, area learning centers, career tech programs, and online learning.
Its 13 member districts represent a combined enrollment of more than 100,000 students and include Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Orono, Osseo, Richfield, Robbinsdale, St. Louis Park, Wayzata and Westonka.
Sharing staff and resources is a cost-effective way for District 287's member districts to provide highly specialized educational programs to students, families and school districts.
How District 287 is different from other school districts
District 287 offers more than 120 educational programs and services to school districts in Minnesota with an emphasis on meeting the needs of its member districts in the west metro area of Twin Cities. For some services, students are referred by their district of residence. For others, students and parents can choose to enroll directly. In addition to student services, District 287 offers a variety of other educational services such as legal services, staff development, conference center, testing and assessment services, student accounting and billing services.
How District 287 is funded
District 287 operates on a fee for service basis. Revenue to fund student services is generated by tuition billing. District 287 manages a $70 million budget.
Students Served by District 287
Area Learning Center 2,656
Career Tech 664
Gifted Education 872
Mentor Program 64
Northern Star Online 784
Special Education 3,706
World Languages 945
Total headcount includes part-time and full-time students. 9,691
Number of MN districts served - student services and programs 95
Number of MN districts served - both staff and student services 180
Facilities/Schools Operated 20
Sites owned or leased 11
Sites hosted by member districts or Hennepin County 9
Employees 808
Percent of licensed staff with a Master's Degree or above 65
Because the services provided are often individualized for students' needs, District 287 employees are highly trained with expertise in very specific areas and specialized settings.
Source: Intermediate District 287, 2008-09 data.