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
Universal All Day Preschool Stalls at Capitol
A bill that would give school districts the opportunity to offer all-day preschool to 4-year-olds stalled last Tuesday in the House Education Innovation Policy Committee. This year, the proposal came forth in the form of HF46 sponsored by Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL – St. Paul). The bill would allow eligibility for children who are 4 years old and not enrolled … Read More
Counting Computer Science as Math Credit
HF672, sponsored by Rep. Sarah Anderson (R-Plymouth), would allow students to satisfy a math credit required for high school graduation by taking a computer science course that meets state math standards. The bill was laid over Tuesday by the House Education Innovation Policy Committee for possible omnibus bill inclusion. It has no Senate companion. Officials from the Minnesota Department of Education … Read More
Tribal Leaders Testify on Behalf of American Indian Students
In front of the House and Senate Education Committees on Wednesday, Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius joined members of the Minnesota Department of Education Indian Education Working Group in requesting additional state funding for several programs that support public schools districts with a large percentage of American Indian students and each of the state’s four tribal contract schools. The presentations followed … Read More
7 Keys to Improving American Indian Student Education
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) presented to legislators today 7 recommendations for improving educational opportunities for American Indian students in Minnesota. The recommendations come from the state’s Indian Education Working Group. Minnesota is last in the nation in the graduation rate of American Indian students. Within the state, AMI students have the lowest graduation rate and the slowest growth … Read More
AMI Recommendations Focus at Capitol
Improving educational opportunities for American Indian students will become the focus this week at the Capitol. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will present recommendations on Wednesday. The presentation will be heard in the Senate E-12 Committee at 8:30 am and in the House Education Finance Committee at 12:45 pm. Learn more. Check to see if the hearings will be web streamed live. Schedules … 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
Legislators Debate Governor's Proposed Education Spending
By Joe Gould, Legislative Affairs Specialist Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton’s education budget was presented in bill form on Wednesday to the House Education Finance Committee. Sponsored by Committee Chair Rep. Jenifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie), HF844 reflects the governor’s goals to close the achievement gap by ramping up support for early learning, particularly for children who come from low-income families, said Education … Read More
Bringing Libraries Up to Speed
Efforts are underway to bring school and regional libraries up to speed with an increased demand for shared usage of materials and access to broadband Internet capabilities. The House Education Finance Committee reviewed the a bill Thursday. HF583, sponsored by Rep. Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls), would provide $3.3 million each year for regional library telecommunications aid and $9.75 million each year for … Read More
Leadership Academy Proposal Presented in Senate
The Senate E-12 Committee reviewed a bill last week that would provide professional development programs to school principals and other school leaders in school districts and charter schools. The bill establishes a Principals Leadership Academy at the University of Minnesota, instead of at the Minnesota State University Mankato. SF524, sponsored by Sen. Greg Clausen (DFL-Apple Valley), was laid over for possible … Read More