Josh Verges
Pioneer Press
Saint Paul, MN, United States
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Recent articles by Josh:
St. Paul school leaders explain plans to close Wellstone, other schools
St. Paul Public Schools officials on Monday night defended the planned closure of Wellstone Elementary, the only school in their consolidation plan that has not struggled to maintain its enrollment… → Read More
State Auditor sends report on Hmong school’s hedge fund investment to prosecutor’s office – Twin Cities
The auditor sent the report to Ramsey County Attorney’s Office for review, citing a statute concerning the use of public funds. → Read More
Planned school closure at Highwood Hills would again leave neighbors without a rec center
The plan has ignited strong pushback. → Read More
Big drop in ACT exams as MN colleges go test-optional during pandemic
Just 60 percent of Minnesota’s 2021 high school graduates took the ACT exam as many college admissions offices waived test requirements because of the coronavirus pandemic. The average composite sc… → Read More
Curman Gaines, first superintendent of color for St. Paul schools, dies at 82
Curman Gaines, the first superintendent of color to lead St. Paul Public Schools, died at home Sunday in Alexandria, La. He was 82. Gaines was one of many African-American educators recruited from … → Read More
St. Paul district releases plans to close, repurpose several schools
Superintendent Joe Gothard said the consolidation will save some money, but the main goal is to create large enough schools that each can offer a well-rounded education, with classes in the arts, s… → Read More
After hedge fund fiasco, Hmong charter school may keep superintendent
In the wake of a $4.3 million loss from an illegal hedge fund investment, Hmong College Prep Academy’s school board appears to be standing by its superintendent. → Read More
St. Paul school district wants task force to explore solar energy, other climate issues
“It’s become very clear that there’s a lot of excitement” over solar power and climate change, said Chelsea Moody, an environmental specialist for the school district. → Read More
St. Paul district to announce school closure plans
With too many schools and too few students, leaders next week will unveil plans to start consolidating next fall. → Read More
Should new lawyers have to pass the bar exam? MN Supreme Court is open to alternatives
The state board that licenses attorneys to practice in Minnesota has begun a comprehensive study that could offer new pathways into the profession as early as 2026. Minnesota is one of 38 states th… → Read More
UM Duluth student sues over coronavirus vaccine mandate
An attorney said only the state Department of Health has the authority under state law to make additions to the list of required vaccines. → Read More
Property taxes could jump 11% for average St. Paul homeowner
The average St. Paul homeowner will pay 11 percent more in property taxes next year if local governments stick with the levy increases they’re considering. The St. Paul school board, which typicall… → Read More
Board to probe Hmong school superintendent’s hedge fund loss, might pay her attorneys fees – Twin Cities
The charter school’s $5 million investment led to a $4.3 million loss and has the institution’s future in doubt. → Read More
Authorizer wants superintendent fired after Hmong College Prep loses $4.3M with hedge fund
The authorizer, Bethel University, said Hmong College Prep Academy’s failed investment “illustrates areas of great concern related to managing finance, governance and legal compliance.” → Read More
Behind on vaccines, 5,000 students could be held out of St. Paul Public Schools
Many families have held off on routine health care visits during the coronavirus pandemic, leaving their children out of compliance with state vaccine requirements. → Read More
MN school desegregation lawsuit heads back to court after Legislature declines to act on settlement
With a major settlement on hold because of inaction by the Legislature, plaintiffs in the Cruz-Guzman school desegregation lawsuit have asked a judge to decide the case in their favor. → Read More
More patrols, cameras, ambassadors: UMN responds to increased crime in Dinkytown
During the coronavirus pandemic and since the murder of George Floyd last year, there have been numerous robberies and some shootings just off campus, especially in and around Dinkytown. → Read More
Bus driver shortage leads to traffic trouble as St. Paul students head back to school
When the bell rang at 7:30 a.m. Thursday for the first day of classes at Washington Technology Magnet, cars were backed up for four blocks along Nebraska Avenue and Rice Street waiting to park or t… → Read More
10,000 St. Paul students lose bus service or face start time changes due to driver shortage
District leaders said they learned Wednesday that their bus contractors would be 76 drivers short of what the district needs to run its routes as usual. → Read More
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan adopts school mask mandate as long as COVID-19 cases are high
Face masks likely will be required when the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan district begins its school year next month. The school board voted 7-0 Thursday in favor of a COVID-19 plan that makes masks… → Read More