Mara Klecker
Reporter
Suburban K-12 schoolsA native South Dakotan and a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's journalism college, Klecker has always called the Midwest home. She's worked on journalism projects in Ecuador, Nicaragua and Nepal. In her free time, she can be found reading, hiking or planning her next international trip. She lives in the west metro with her husband and two dogs.
Latest from Mara Klecker
This suburban district opted to serve its highest needs special education students in-house
Since the Fridley school district opened a new program last year that’s an unusual model in Minnesota, it’s already proving popular.
November 27, 2025
Editor's Pick
These Minnesota schools serving low-income students are beating the odds
A Minnesota Star Tribune analysis of test scores shows which of the state’s public schools have exceeded expectations.
November 10, 2025
Minnesota schools asked voters for more taxes. Most said yes.
Unlike last year, the majority of school districts asking for tax hikes to fund day-to-day expenses received voter support.
November 5, 2025
Osseo district to pay $61,500 to student who was sexually harassed by assistant principal
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights found that school district staff violated state law by failing to respond to reports of inappropriate conduct.
October 28, 2025
Minnesota schools reporting sharp increase in number of guns confiscated from students
Recent data shows a large increase in handguns in schools since 2021. Schools are turning to new technology and prevention strategies.
October 21, 2025
What has changed 5 years after controversial redesign of Minneapolis schools?
School district leaders may have to finally face hard decisions about closing and merging schools after a 2020 plan averted that course.
October 18, 2025
Minnesota tells Trump administration it won’t respond now to demands over transgender athletes
The state sent a letter to the administration on Friday declining to give a “substantive response” to a federal Title IX investigation amid uncertainty over timing and the government shutdown.
October 11, 2025
Politics splits some Minnesota school board races this fall
In an odd-year election, some school board candidates are trying to maintain a tradition of nonpartisanship. Others are leaning into national political divides.
October 5, 2025
What would Minnesota risk if it continued to allow trans athletes to play?
With ‘imminent enforcement action’ at stake, Minnesota leaders face a 10-day deadline without knowing the consequences.
October 2, 2025
Robbinsdale leaders weigh whether to close a high school to save money
The school district is in a financial crisis, especially after a $20 million budgeting error. One recommendation is to consolidate Cooper and Armstrong high schools.
September 24, 2025
Robbinsdale school closures loom as district confronts financial crisis
A $20 million budgeting error and declining enrollment have the district on a “precipice” and facing deep cuts.
September 19, 2025
Rocks, roots and soft dirt: Lace up your shoes for an adventurous run on these Twin Cities trails
From Afton to Long Lake, here’s your guide to the best trail running routes for all skill levels.
September 11, 2025
