K-12 funding increase and more as students head back to class

To the editor,

As students head back to class throughout the state, let’s recap some of the changes in store for the next two school years – both at the K-12 and higher education levels.

For K-12, the budget the Legislature led to enactment earlier this year provides $1.35 billion in new education funding over the current biennium. That amounts to a 2-percent increase each year, or up to $245 more for each student. There also is more funding for early learning initiatives including scholarships and school readiness aid plus.

The $1.3 billion in new K-12 funding (for an $18.8 billion total budget) means Bemidji will receive approximately $2.7 million more over the next two years, while Cass Lake-Bena ($673,669) and Walker-Hackensack-Akeley ($360,903) are other examples of local funding increases.

Another important funding provision increases transportation appropriations for Bemidji Area Schools and other districts struggling to meet student transportation costs. The $4 million adjustment we achieved is a step in the right direction. That is less than I would have preferred but, for now, it will be helpful in closing busing shortfalls for districts such as ours as we continue working on this issue.

A number of important K-12 reforms also have been enacted, including overhauling the broken teacher licensure system as recommended by the Office of the Legislative Auditor. A new Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board will allow us to streamline licensure and add transparency to the process so we can address our state’s teacher shortage while maintaining our high standards.

As for higher education, the new budget we passed provides $210 million more for our colleges and universities over the next two years ($3.28 billion total). One thing I am pleased to see is provisions have been enacted to provide opportunities for students with learning differences who typically have not had access to higher education programs. Financial assistance also is provided to make these programs more affordable.

Locally, a $22.5 million bonding request to replace BSU’s Hagg-Sauer Hall with a new academic learning center will be considered during the 2018 legislative session. Members of the House Capital Investment Committee recently toured the site to learn more about the proposal and I look forward to continuing this discussion.

Sincerely,