Harambee Community School, an east metro magnet school at risk of being closed, will remain open in 2013-14 under management of the Roseville Area Schools.

The board of the East Metro Integration District (EMID), which owns the K-6 facility in Maplewood, approved a management agreement with the Roseville district on Wednesday night. The Roseville school board is expected to sign off on the deal next week.

The year-round school promotes the integration of students in St. Paul and its suburbs.

Harambee's future was put in question last month when the Legislature failed to act on an EMID request to turn over ownership of the school to the Roseville district, prompting the two sides to work out a management agreement instead.

Roseville Superintendent John Thein told EMID board members that the school is expected to have 454 students, according to current enrollment figures, plus a waiting list. Principal Kathy Griebel will remain in charge, he added.

According to the agreement, Roseville is responsible for busing students, and will seek reimbursement for transportation costs from the state Department of Education. About one-half of the school's students live in St. Paul.

Anthony Lonetree