Minnesota parents and educators – some of whom are deeply frustrated about obstacles being created for students who want to take dual-credit courses – are meeting 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 5 in St. Paul. Register to attend. The free meeting, co-sponsored by 25 education, community and business groups, will bring together people seeking ways to overcome resistance and … Read More
HLC Confirms Meaning of Extension, Meeting Scheduled
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) confirmed Friday that its specific and restrictive definition of “extension” does not mean that colleges and high schools can continue “business-as-usual” beyond December 15, 2016 in regard to adding new teachers or courses. The extension applies only to dual credit faculty engaged as of the date of the institution’s extension filing, according to Steve Kauffman, Public … Read More
1,000 Teachers One Step Closer to Loan Forgiveness
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) expects to provide about 1,000 teachers a check for $1,000 in loan repayment by Dec. 31. The funding stems from a new program established by the Legislature that will provide $1 million this year and another $850,000 each of the next two fiscal years. The loan forgiveness program is among the strategies being … Read More
Missed Opportunities: No Special Session
After several rounds of negotiations this summer, Minnesota legislative leaders and Governor Mark Dayton failed to reach an agreement on terms for a special session that could have produced a bonding bill and a package of tax cuts. The straw that broke the camel’s back was non-federal matching funds for the Southwest Light Rail line between downtown Minneapolis and Eden … Read More
Voluntary Pre-K Funding Supports MREA Members
Forty-two MREA member districts will receive funding for the new Voluntary Pre-K starting this fall. Another 70 MREA member districts applied for funding approved last session by the Legislature and were not sufficiently eligible to receive funding. In all, this program will provide 3,302 Minnesota four-year olds access to free, voluntary pre-kindergarten. The 2016 Legislature reserved 41 percent of the $25 million … Read More
Phoenix Rising? Talks of August Special Session Emerge
When legislative leaders left St. Paul before the Fourth of July, it looked like the prospects for a special session to pass revised Tax and Bonding bills were dead. Just after the Fourth of July, the Governor met with House Speaker Kurt Daudt and suddenly talks of a special session re-emerged. On July 15, Governor Dayton, Speaker Daudt and Senate Majority Leader Tom … Read More
184 Districts Apply for New Voluntary Pre-K Program
The Minnesota Department of Education released a report that 184 school districts and charter schools have completed applications for the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program. MREA member districts represent 63 percent of that total with 115 applying. Applicants will be notified by MDE of their funding status by August 1. View MDE list of Voluntary Pre-K applicants. Funding and Selection Criteria The Legislature approved $25 … Read More
MDE Announces Grants for Support Staff, Community Schools
MDE announced two competitive grant opportunities with late August deadlines for application. Districts with needs for full-service community schools and for support staff such as counselors and nurses should review the applications and requirements. These competitive grants were part of the 2016 Supplemental Education Funding bill signed into law. In both of these programs, creating a district plan to sustain these programs … Read More
New Maps Show Drop in Statewide Aid, Rise in Local Levies
MREA released maps today showing the wide range of aid, levy and revenue increases and decreases for Minnesota school districts since 2003. Differences in voter approved levies have resulted in a wide variation in revenue in districts in the state. State aid of all types, including the General Education Formula, have declined 10 percent or $1,016 per pupil between 2003 and … Read More
Special Session Talks Drift
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton last week met with legislative leaders to negotiate terms for a special session, but their talks failed to make progress on the situation. Just over three weeks ago, Governor Dayton issued a list of additional bonding and spending projects he wants in a special session legislative package. The GOP has bristled at adding more spending in … Read More