The Lakeville district has been accepted into the League of Innovative Schools, a national group of school districts that aims to recognize and encourage innovation in education. In particular, the league focuses on new and effective ways to use technology and research.

The district is the first in Minnesota to become a member of the coalition, organized by a bipartisan nonprofit called Digital Promise. Digital Promise was authorized by Congress in 2011 to spur innovation in U.S. schools.

This year, the organization invited Lakeville – along with 21 other districts – to join based on several criteria: leadership, evidence of results, having an innovative vision for learning and committing to collaboration. Districts must apply for the designation. In total, there are 73 member districts in 33 states.

Member districts are represented by their superintendent, who attends meetings, joins working groups, collaborates with entrepreneurs and supports teaching and learning research.

Lakeville's superintendent Lisa Snyder will attend the league's fall meeting next week in Pittsburgh, where new members will be welcomed and goals will be set for the year.