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Closing achievement gap is education priority
Repaying borrowed school funds and closing the achievement
gap are top priorities of both DFL and Republican lawmakers on the House
Education Finance Committee, which kicked off the session with a meeting of
introductions and goal-sharing.
Calling it “the No. 1 threat to our future economic success
and vitality,” the achievement gap between rich and poor, and white and
minority students will be a key focus of the committee, said Rep. Paul Marquart
(DFL-Dilworth), committee chairman.
Another urgent action item: Paying back funds that state
lawmakers borrowed from Minnesota schools to balance the current budget.
DFL and Republican committee members expressed many common
goals, but the meeting also hinted at possible disagreements to come, such as
the familiar tension over funding for rural and urban schools.
Rep. Joe McDonald (R-Delano) said that equal funding is a
priority for the west-metro schools he represents. “Every student should have
the same opportunities.”
But “equal does not represent equity,” said Rep. Rena Moran
(DFL-St. Paul). “Equity’s about fairness.”
The 21-member committee includes several longtime teachers –
including Rep. Sondra Erickson (R-Princeton), whose former students include
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) – and Rep. Anna Wills (R-Apple
Valley), who was homeschooled.
- Sarah Lemagie
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