10/28/2024
First, I want to thank our teachers, school boards and administrators for years of dedicated service to our educational communities, parents, and students. I look forward to continuing to support you and the everyday efforts of our educational leaders. Second, I want to thank you for your feedback and hope to continue this relationship moving forward so I can accurately advocate for the needs of our school districts based on your input. Given the current financial circumstances our schools are dealing with, I wanted to share a comparison chart outlining the major portions of the 2023 GOP Education DE5 Amendment and DFL's HF 2497 Education Omnibus bill.
It is unfortunate and frankly, unforgivable, that school districts in NW Minnesota and across the state are struggling financially. DFL majorities in the Minnesota House and Senate, along with Governor Walz squandered an $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion growing government by almost 40%. The DFL trifecta claimed the โinvestmentsโ in our schools were โhistoric and transformativeโ, but sadly they left our schools struggling.
Funding rural schools, keeping property taxes under control all while balancing declining enrollment is a challenge. During the 2023 floor debate on the education finance bill, the Republican plan was outlined in the DE5 amendment brought forward by our GOP education lead. It would have raised the funding formula (5% each year) and allowed much more flexibility at the local level. Unfortunately, the DFL majority in the House voted this amendment down. The 2023 Education Finance bill put mandates over students, funded more Minnesota Department of Education bureaucracy, and removed local control from our schools. Our schools need funding that is flexible to meet priorities set by parents, teachers, administrators and school boards on the local level. The DE5 amendment we offered would have meant an additional $3 million to school districts across northwest Minnesota, without the 65+ mandates. I want to make sure parents are involved, informed, and empowered to make the best education decisions for their child, and keep students focused on reading, writing, and math instead of controversial and politically charged curriculum.
My priorities are focused on student outcomes and ensuring education policies do not create burdensome unfunded education mandates. Additionally, it is essential to restore local decision making to schools, so teachers and administrators have flexibility to manage our classrooms. In the end, we need to get parents and teachers working together to ensure academic excellence. I have been part of that process as a parent of five in Badger School and I want to continue to be part of that process in the legislature.
Grygla School
Goodridge Public School
Greenbush-Middle River School
Tri-County School
Thief River Falls Public Schools - ISD 564
Marshall County Central Schools
Lancaster School
Roseau School District #682
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School
Warroad Schools
Stephen Argyle Elementary
Kittson Central Senior High School