Saint Paul, Minnesota – Yesterday the House DFL unveiled their plan to put Minnesota’s kids on the path to the world’s best workforce with a House Education Omnibus Finance bill that calls for historic investment in education. The budget sets the ambitious goal of closing the achievement gap, reaching the nation’s highest high school graduation rate, 100 percent literacy by third grade, and 100 percent career and college readiness by graduation — all by 2027.
The House DFL Education Budget invests in what works: fully funding all-day, every day kindergarten and investing $50 million in early learning childhood scholarships. All-day K and early childhood education are proven tools to improve test scores, close the achievement gap, and prepare students for future academic success. The House DFL Education Budget also increases the basic funding formula for K-12 schools by four percent over the biennium, an increase of over $315 million, or $209 per pupil. The payback of the $850 million still owed to schools will be included in the House Taxes bill.
“We need bold action and investments in our education system and that’s what this plan is all about,” said Rep. John Ward (DFL – Baxter). “We’re aiming high and going for the world’s best workforce because that’s how we’re going to grow jobs, strengthen the middle class and build the world’s best economy.”
Under the House DFL Education Budget, the Brainerd Public School District would receive a formula increase of $909,706, or $142 per-pupil in fiscal year 2014, and $2.7 million or $434 per-pupil in fiscal year 2015. Crosby-Ironton Public Schools would receive a formula increase of $128,232 or $113 per-pupil in fiscal year 2014, and $517,353 or $460 per-pupil in fiscal year 2015. Pequot Lakes Public Schools would receive a formula increase of $ 630,849 or $391 per-pupil in fiscal year 2014 and $1.1 million or $711 per-pupil in fiscal year 2015.
The Aitkin Public School District would receive a formula increase of $455,709, or $379 per-pupil in fiscal year 2014 (4.4 percent), and $835,902 or $710 per-pupil in fiscal year 2015 (8.2 percent). Hill City Public Schools would receive a formula increase of $106,765 or $390 per-pupil in fiscal year 2014 (3.6 percent), and $195,651 or $722 per-pupil in fiscal year 2015 (6.5 percent). McGregor Public Schools would receive a formula increase of $149,855 or $389 per-pupil in fiscal year 2014 (3.5 percent) and $289,308 or $765 per-pupil in fiscal year 2015 (6.9 percent).
“For too long, we’ve watched as our schools have had to increase class sizes, and cut technical education, gifted and talented, arts, and language programs our students need,” said Rep. Joe Radinovich (DFL – Crosby). “Our long-term economic future depends on the success of children in the classroom right now and these crucial investments in our K-12 schools and all-day K recognize that fact.”
The House DFL Education Budget also contains a new strategy to close the revenue equity gap and reduce property taxes. The bill enhances the equity formula guaranteeing all districts at least $300 per student of equity and referendum revenue, and raises and indexes operating referendum levy equalization factors to reduce property taxes.
“Over the last decade we’ve seen funding disparities grow and Greater Minnesota schools have been forced to either rely more heavily on property tax levies or make difficult cuts,” said Rep. Radinovich. “This proposal will go a long way to ensuring that a student in Crosby has the same opportunity for success as a student in Edina or Eagan. Every Minnesota child deserves an opportunity to get a world-class education and succeed in a global economy.”
As part of building the world’s best workforce, the House DFL Education Budget would implement 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.
“With new investments must come greater accountability and that’s where these proposed policy reforms are important,” said Rep. Ward. “Our proposal will do more to ensure we’re accurately monitoring the progress our schools and students are making and helping course correct when needed, while providing accountability to the public on dollars spent and the strategic plans schools are implementing.”
The bill was presented in the House Education Finance Committee today, with public testimony on Thursday and a committee vote on Friday. The House Education bill can viewed here: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/docs/H0630Delete-all.pdf.
The House Education funding spreadsheet can be viewed here: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/docs/HF0630Delete-allspreadsheet.pdf
The school district runs for the House Education bill can be viewed here:
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/docs/HouseProposalApril92013_1.pdf
Reps. Ward and Radinovich encourage constituents to contact them with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Rep. Ward can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or by email at rep.john.ward@house.mn. Rep. Radinovich can be reach by phone at 651-296-2365 or email at rep.joe.radinovich@house.mn.