Minneapolis Public Schools is entering the 21st century, adding texting to the methods it will use to contact parents with special announcements.

The move is a response to feedback from families that the district's mainstay method for contacting parents – leaving a mass voicemail – isn't effective because people don't listen to their voicemails.

Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson told the school board in August that the method allows parents to find out when school is cancelled – adding that the district never cancels school. Fifteen days later, the district announced that it was cancelling school at 27 schools that lacked full air conditioning.

To sign up for texts from the district, text "YES" to 68453.