Some schools are interested in cost savings, energy conservation and teaching opportunities that could result if their bonding requests for alternative energy projects are approved.
The projects would also employ local workers, are “shovel-ready” and possibly eligible for federal stimulus funds.
Rep. Patti Fritz (DFL-Faribault) sponsors HF28, which would authorize $1.5 million for a wind generator to be constructed on the campus of either the state Academy for the Blind or the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf in Faribault. Linda Mitchell, the academies’ superintendent, said the schools’ electrical bill last year was $200,000, and that a 1-megawatt wind turbine would pay for itself in less than 10 years. The bill has no companion.
The project is “right for the planet and right for Minnesota,” Mitchell said. “I’m excited about the educational aspect of this.”
Fritz also sponsors HF125, which would authorize $400,000 to construct a residential building for students ages 18-21 enrolled at the academy for the blind. South Central College carpentry students who complete an annual residential building project and sell it at market value would do the construction. Its companion, SF209, sponsored by Sen. Dick Day (R-Owatonna), awaits action by the Senate State Government Budget Division.
HF588, sponsored by Rep. Andrew Falk (DFL-Murdock), seeks $2.33 million to design and build a geothermal heating system for the Dawson-Boyd school district. The project could save the 525-student district $73,000 a year in energy costs. Its companion, SF572, sponsored by Sen. Gary Kubly (DFL-Granite Falls), awaits action by the Senate Finance Committee.
The division also heard HF273, sponsored by Rep. Brita Sailer (DFL-Park Rapids), which would authorize a $5.8 million maximum effort capital loan to the Red Lake School District. Its companion, SF925, sponsored by Sen. Rod Skoe (DFL-Clearbrook), awaits action by the Senate E-12 Education Budget and Policy Division.
The House K-12 Education Finance Division sent the bills to the House Finance Committee March 11.
The year without a K-12 law
School funding is flat, no reforms enacted
(view full story)
Published 6/1/2010
House K-12 omnibus bill fast-tracked
Senate slow to respond with companion legislation
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2010
K-12 education omnibus bill stalls
Teacher licensure proposals in contention
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Published 5/6/2010
K-12 education bill moves forward
Measures would activate reforms, stabilize school funding
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Resuscitating Race to the Top bid
New bid could hinge on proposals to boost teacher effectiveness
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Raiders of the lost fund
Slew of reforms could boost Permanent School Fund income
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Published 3/25/2010
Schools shore up state’s checkbook
Obscure law forces drawdown of school reserves before state can borrow
(view full story)
Published 2/25/2010
At Issue: No shifts, no cuts
Education funding in a holding pattern
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Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: E-12 education bill that might have been
Funding held steady with no shifts proposed, but no Minnesota Miracle
(view full story)
Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Investing in quality care for kids
Lawmakers hope for long-term benefits of early investment
(view full story)
Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Building a better formula
Omnibus K-12 education finance bill floor debate highlights obstacles
(view full story)
Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Whose values are they anyway?
Lawmaker carries on family legacy with sex education bill
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Published 4/17/2009
First Reading: One school doesn’t fit all
Efforts put forward to tailor charter school law
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Published 4/10/2009
At Issue: Hopeful education goals in a dismal year
Omnibus bill addresses changing needs and future demands
(view full story)
Published 4/3/2009
At Issue: Getting kids to move
Bill aims to ensure ‘No child left on their behind’
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009
First Reading: Accountability funding for all
A ‘New Minnesota Miracle’ requires a leap of faith
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Published 2/13/2009
At Issue: Q Comp found wanting
Performance measure has perks, but is it affordable?
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Published 2/6/2009
At Issue: Reforming education, saving money
Bipartisan support shown for mandate reduction and shared services
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Published 1/23/2009
Feature: Passing the torch of democracy
Youth immerse themselves in lingo and actions of lawmaking
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Published 1/16/2009