Dear Neighbors,
Yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) released guidance to school districts that bans graduation ceremonies statewide, regardless of class size or space available for the ceremony.
It is incredibly disappointing that the administration took unilateral action yesterday to cancel graduation ceremonies with little to no input from legislators or school administrators.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, MDE should seek input from school districts around the state to determine if certain districts can hold ceremonies while observing social distancing guidelines. I urge MDE to rescind these guidelines and engage in dialogue with school districts to determine a better path forward.
According to current executive orders, the Governor’s peacetime emergency powers expire on May 13, and the Stay at Home order ends at midnight on May 17. MDE’s guidance is in direct conflict with current information and gives the impression that the administration is unwilling to give up unilateral decision-making power.
Please continue to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4229 or via email at rep.glenn.gruenhagen@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Glenn