ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Education recently released detailed school funding information following the 2013 Legislative Session. As a result of the budget passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Dayton, K-12 education received an increase of $485 million, including the funding of all-day kindergarten starting in the fall of 2014. The budget also includes $40 million for early childhood scholarships and accelerates pay back of the school shift.
“After a decade of cuts and shifts, we’re putting money back in the classroom to ensure that every Minnesota child has the opportunity to succeed” said State Representative Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul). “We’re investing in proven solutions like all-day kindergarten while implementing necessary reforms to put our children on the path to the world’s best workforce. Minnesota’s future economic competitiveness will hinge on the success of Minnesota’s kids who are sitting in classrooms today.”
South St. Paul Public Schools will receive a formula increase of $441,898 or $133 per-pupil (1.4 percent) in fiscal year 2014 and an increase of $1.7 million, or $507 per-pupil in fiscal year 2015 (5.2 percent). The West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan School District will receive an increase of $687,913 or $148 per-pupil in fiscal year 2014 (1.4 percent) and an increase of $2.3 million or $508 per-pupil in fiscal year 2015 (4.7 percent).
Along with funding increases, the budget implements several necessary reforms. Schools will be required to develop strategic plans for student achievement and update the public on their status each year. The state will utilize the Minnesota Department of Education’s Regional Centers of Excellence to provide assistance and work with schools to reach their goals.
A new student assessment system will be implemented that ensures students stay on the path to being career and college ready, and innovation grants that promote new ways to increase student achievement will be available to schools.
Rep. Hansen encourages constituents to contact him with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Rep. Hansen can be reached by phone at 651-296-6828 or by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn. Constituents can also visit Rep. Hansen’s legislative page and sign up for email updates.