Roseville - 95, often cited as one of Minnesota's most influential public school educators in the last 50 years, died at his Roseville home on May 5. He had a private interment.

A US Army veteran, Jennings had many jobs before becoming an educator. He was a "gandy dancer" - driving in railroad spikes. He ran canoe building, housing, and plastering businesses.

Memorials preferred to Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs or Minnesota Association of Charter Schools.

While in the Army, Jennings taught others and found that he enjoyed it. He became a St Paul Public School teacher and later, a principal. In 1970, SPPS asked him to help parents and community members who wanted to create the first St Paul district-wide option - a K-12 Open School.

The school started in September 1971. It attracted diverse students from throughout the city. Jennings was its principal. He also taught a magic class. In the first several years, 10,000+ people visited, including the national "Today Show." The school's innovations included

- Individual student/teacher/family conferences each fall, before the academic year started. Each student developed an individual plan with family and educator guidance;

- Graduation based on demonstrated skill and knowledge,

- Using the world as a place to learn,

- Advisor-advisor relationships

- Encouraging educators, parents and community members to help create new public school options.

After the US Department of Education named the school "a carefully evaluated, proven innovation worthy of national replication," he was asked to speak. He often substituted students and other educators in presentations.

Now known as Open World Learning Community (OWL), it's still part of the St Paul district.

Jennings' received many awards and honors. He was elected to the Mounds View School Board, and served as board chair. The University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development named him one of its "100 Distinguished Alumni." Nevertheless, he remained humble.

He published dozens of articles, newsletters and wrote School Transformation. He supported public school choice including charter public schools. He helped start many, including, Jennings Learning Community in St Paul, that was named for him.

Jennings was predeceased by parents, Edwin and Martha Jennings, sisters Barbara Emer and Diane Wittenburg. He appreciated his many nieces and nephews.

He is survived by brother Darryl Jennings, and daughter Susan Jennings; sisters-in-law, Roxann Sorenson, Pauline Stonehouse, Diane Burkett, Gaye Sorenson, Sam Marincel, and 55 year best friend, educator and wife, Joan Sorenson.

Jennings dedicated his book & professional life to "educators past and present striving to give each child programs for active citizenship, productive, satisfying careers, lifelong learning and self-fulfillment." He modeled that.

In his last note to a friend, Jennings wrote: "Keep up the fight for youth. I'll be watching from somewhere."

Wayne's ideals, commitments and successes are carried on by countless students, families and educators he learned from, encouraged and inspired.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.