W.I.N. Academy and the November 4 Measure

As Minnewaska Area Schools prepares for the November 4 measure focused on critical building reinvestment and enhanced security, questions have surfaced about W.I.N. Academy in Starbuck. Here’s what you need to know:

The measure focuses on five key investments: critical building reinvestment, enhanced security, childcare addition, learning space improvements, and shared community spaces. W.I.N. Academy operates under completely separate funding mechanisms.

What is W.I.N. Academy?

W.I.N. Academy (What I Need Academy) is one of only seven specialized educational programs of its kind in Minnesota. Located in Starbuck, it serves students from 22 school districts across west-central Minnesota who need the highest level of special education support combined with intensive mental health services.

Students are referred by their home district’s IEP team and must qualify for Federal Setting 4 special education programming. The program combines academics with 2-3 hours daily of mental health services in small classrooms (4:1 student-teacher ratio).

How W.I.N. Academy is Funded

Home Districts Pay: When a district refers a student, that district is responsible for costs and transportation, not Minnewaska taxpayers alone.

Medical Assistance Reimbursement: Mental health services qualify for MA and MHCP reimbursement, offsetting costs.

Federal Mandate: These services are required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Why it Matters

Without W.I.N. Academy, families would need to seek residential treatment facilities hours away at significantly greater cost. This regional program provides a local option for 22 districts while meeting federal special education requirements.

The Bottom Line: W.I.N. Academy is a separate program with its own funding sources.

For more information about the November 4th bond referendum, visit www.minnewaska.k12.mn.us/bond-vote/

Vote early and absentee: Now – November 3 at the MAS District Office, Door #1 – Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. *Voting will not be available on October 16 or 17.

Vote Tuesday, November 4 at the Pope County Courthouse – 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.