Dear Neighbor,
I am meeting with area school district officials this fall to hear their thoughts on a variety of education issues. They are providing me with great insight and funding remains a top concern.
On one hand, they were pleased about the news our schools will receive another $636 million in repayment of delayed funding. The two-year budget enacted in 2011 came to a close June 30. That budget continually produced beyond projections, to the tune of $3.4 billion in more-than-anticipated revenue over the biennium (without tax increases).
A significant portion of that “surplus” revenue went to squaring up payments to our schools, which were partially deferred as short-term solutions during budget shortfalls. With the close of the 2012-13 biennium, a $238 million balance remains from delayed payments enacted in 2010.
This is good, news, but there is a “but.” Officials tell me they are greatly concerned about funding mandates the state places on them – stipulating how much money must be spent where.
I share their concerns that our Legislature is acting more and more like a statewide school board, forcing spending mandates on districts all across Minnesota. The problem is, in many cases, metro schools receive twice the revenue per pupil than do schools in parts of the state like ours.
The people in our local schools know best how to appropriate funding to educate our area children. Needs vary from district to district and financial flexibility would help districts tailor spending to suit them.
I will continue meeting with other school district officials so I can voice their positions at the Capitol.
Good luck,
Jeff