Classrooms across Minnesota are once again open for business, making this the perfect opportunity to discuss a few of the accomplishments for K-12 Education during the 2015 legislative session.
Most school administrators I've spoken with are pleased with the historic investment lawmakers made in education. In all, $525 million in new revenue was sent to schools throughout Minnesota. Locally, this results in an increase of $389 per pupil for the Goodhue School District through Fiscal Year 2017, while Wabasha-Kellogg will receive $378, Cannon Falls and Lake City will see $372, Red Wing will receive $362, and Zumbrota-Mazeppa will collect $332 more per pupil during that same timeframe to use as the districts see fit.
A number of reforms were also implemented during the 2015 session. This includes improving access to quality educators by streamlining out-of-state teacher licensure reciprocity, and mandating fewer tests in order to increase classroom learning time.
The legislature also provided funding for facilities maintenance, which will help reduce funding disparities for rural school districts and help finance the preservation of their school buildings. $95 million was also allocated to early learning initiatives including scholarships and school readiness aid.
In all, we approved dozens of provisions that should make life easier for school districts and their teachers while ultimately helping our children succeed in school.
As always, I welcome your questions and feedback. Please contact me anytime at 651-296-8635 or at rep.tim.kelly@house.mn if you'd like to further discuss last session's education agenda.
Here's wishing the best of luck to all of the students, parents, and teachers in southeastern Minnesota. Have a wonderful school year.