ST. PAUL – With all of our schools now back in session, State Representative Bob Gunther (R-Fairmont) said now is the perfect time to share what was accomplished for K-12 Education during the 2015 session.
"Our historic investment in our students and schools will go down as the session highlight," Gunther said.
The new K-12 Education funding law resulted in an average increase of $396 per pupil for Greater Minnesota school districts through Fiscal Year 2017, Overall, $525 million in new revenue was sent to schools throughout Minnesota according to Gunther.
The legislature also implemented meaningful reforms during the 2015 session, including fewer mandated tests to increase classroom learning time, and improved access to quality educators by streamlining out-of-state teacher licensure reciprocity.
There's also additional funding for facilities maintenance which will help reduce funding disparities for Greater Minnesota school districts and help finance the upkeep of school buildings, as well as $95 million in early learning initiatives including scholarships and school readiness aid.
"The goal of this legislation was to give school districts the resources they need to succeed so they can give our children a world-class education," Gunther said. "Greater Minnesota schools were prioritized, and I've been happy to hear that many of our local school administrators are pleased with our 2015 education accomplishments."