In recognition of its recent stellar showing on state tests, the Minnesota Business Partnership today presented Valley View Elementary an award and check for $20,000.

The Minnesota's Future Award is given each year by business leaders in recognition of high-poverty schools performing above the state average in math and reading.

, "Valley View's remarkable team has created a culture of support and success," said Charlie Weaver, the Partnership's executive director. "The students, teachers, support staff, and leadership are all aligned to the same goal. Failure is not an option."

According to Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments scores, 71 percent of Valley View students were proficient in math, well above the statewide average of 61 percent. In reading, 46 percent of students were proficient in reading - below the statewide average of 59 percent - but above most schools with similar levels of poverty

The school will be honored at the Partnership's annual dinner on Oct. 7

"The staff and students of Valley View Elementary School are truly humbled, honored and most certainly appreciative of being recognized with the Minnesota's Future Award," Valley View Principal Willie Fort said. "This significant recognition from the giants of the business world is a testament to the incredibly hard work that all of us, teachers, parents and most importantly students, have and will continue to do to close the achievement gap.".

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