The arrival of September means our kids are returning to school, which provides a good opportunity to share what was accomplished for K-12 Education during the 2015 session.
Lawmakers made a historic investment in our students and schools, which benefit preschoolers, high school seniors, and all grade levels in between. $525 million in new funding was allocated to schools statewide. Locally, this translated into significant per pupil funding increases through Fiscal Year 2017. Under the new law, the Pine City School District will receive a $453 per pupil increase, Hinckley-Finlayson School District will see $444, East Central gains $415 per pupil, Mora will receive $407, and Willow River tallies $343.
Whether it's more afterschool programs, reducing class sizes, or retaining world-class teachers, this new funding will give our local schools the opportunity to improve in areas they feel are most needed.
The legislature also implemented meaningful reforms during the 2015 session, including fewer mandated tests to increase classroom learning time, and improved access to quality educators by streamlining out-of-state teacher licensure reciprocity.
There's also additional funding for facilities maintenance which will help reduce funding disparities for Greater Minnesota school districts and help finance the upkeep of school buildings, as well as a $95 million in early learning initiatives including scholarships and school readiness aid.
I am confident that all of these education measures, plus dozens more that were approved during the 2015 session, will ultimately help all of our children succeed in school. Going forward, if you have any education questions or concerns, please contact me at 651-296-0518 or rep.jason.rarick@house.mn.
Best of luck to all the students, parents, and educators in Pine and Kanabec counties this year, and please keep in touch.