Minnesotans received positive news about their state budget on Friday from the February budget forecast. Last December the state projected a surplus for the next two years (fiscal years 16-17) of $1.04 billion. The updated forecast now estimates a surplus of $1.87 million. The $832 million in projected growth is largely due to a expected increases in income and sales tax … Read More
Governor's Plan Budget Battle Lines Being Drawn
By Sam Walseth, MREA Director of Legislative Affairs Governor Mark Dayton’s release of his 2016-17 budget plan last Tuesday has set the stage for the budget battle that will consume the remainder of the 2015 session. The public’s role — our role — in this process is going to fade sooner than we know it. Now is the time to engage … Read More
Testing Reduction Group Finalizes Recommendations
MREA Board Member Lee Carlson of St. James, who serves on the state task force on testing reduction, provided a recent update on the group’s progress. Last week the Testing Reduction Advisory Group wrapped up its work with the Minnesota Department of Education. The group looked at streamlining the assessment system while still maintaining high standards for Minnesota students. We all … Read More
Rural Education Well Represented on State Work Groups
by Fred Nolan, MREA Executive Director The 2014 legislature called for two Working Groups and Task Forces to meet between legislative sessions to make reports to the legislature regarding education-specific topics. There are now four active working groups at the state level with MREA representatives from throughout Minnesota providing voice for the needs of education in rural Minnesota. Testing Advisory Work Group … Read More
Legislative Platform Adopted at Annual Meeting
By Sam Walseth, Director of Legislative Affairs After months of gathering input and feedback from member districts, MREA approved a legislative platform for 2014 and beyond at the annual meeting held at the Annual Conference on November 19. The 2014 platform includes ongoing issues and some new ones stemming from the 2013 E-12 and Tax omnibus bills. The 2013 session produced huge … Read More
MREA’s Eleven Fall Area Meetings Point to 2014 Platform
From Preston to Thief River Falls, from Virginia to Slayton, and location in between, MREA Executive Director Fred Nolan facilitated Platform Development Meetings with MREA Contract Lobbyist Sam Walseth. The conversations provided input on opportunities and challenges facing districts as MREA prepares the 2014 Legislative Platform. Nearly all participants rated the meetings as valuable or very valuable, and were satisfied … Read More
Work of Five Education Task Forces Underway
Five of the state education task forces established by the legislature last session have begin work. The appointments announced to date reveal rural Minnesota is under represented in these task forces focused on key issues in our state. The legislature called for seven task force or councils. These task forces address complicated issues which have competing interests in how the … Read More
Appointments Announced for Career Pathways and Technical Education Group
The members of the Career Pathways and Technical Education Advisory Task Force have been appointed. Of the 23 members of the task force, only 3 are from rural Minnesota, and only 8 represent K-12 schools. The other representatives are from post-secondary institutions, businesses and economic development personnel. Two rural legislators are also members of the Task Force: Rep. Kathy Brynaert (DFL) … Read More
State Task Force Focuses on Special Education Case Loads
A state task force focused on special education case loads will meet Tuesday. The Special Education Case Loads Task Force has been charged with providing recommendation on the appropriate numbers of students with disabilities that may be assigned to a teacher, both with and without paraprofessional support in the classroom, and for cost-effective and efficient strategies and structures for improving student … Read More
Standard Adult High School Diploma Task Force Members Appointed
The commissioner of education has appointed members to the Standard Adult High School Diploma Task Force. One of the nine members on the task force is from rural Minnesota. View the Task Force Membership. The task force is focused on making recommendations for providing a standard adult high school diploma to persons: Who are not eligible for kindergarten through grade 12 services. Who do … Read More