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
Senate Debates Basic Funding Formula Increase
Two bills related to the general education funding formula and one related to compensatory revenue were all laid over for possible inclusion in the Senate E12 omnibus bill. SF163, sponsored by Sen. John Hoffman (DFL – Champlin), would increase school district basic revenue formula allowance to $6,131 starting in fiscal year 2016. SF541, sponsored by Sen. Greg Clausen (DFL – … Read More
3 Hot Rural Issues in Senate
The Senate E-12 Committee heard legislation and testimony on three key rural education issues this past week. A brief rundown on each is provided below. Debt Service Enhanced Debt Service plans (SF 489) for consolidating districts and districts with very high debt service was heard Tuesday. Superintendent Bob Indihar of Moose Lake whose community used enhanced debt service due to natural … Read More
New Bills Introduce Rural STEM Project
MREA commends Senator Tom Saxhaug (District 05) and Representative Jeff Backer (District 12A) for introducing legislation to provide funding for the Rural STEM Experiential Learning Pilot Project: “Put 21st Century Tools in Kids’ Hands!” (SF 471/HF 555). The bills provide for one-time funding to start two consortiums of school districts in West Central Minnesota and North East/East Central Minnesota. The consortiums will develop and … 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