SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, Governor Walz announced additional guidance for our Minnesota schools this fall. In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), school districts will create their plans for either a hybrid, distance learning, or in-class model based on what best fits that individual district’s population and the COVID-19 case counts in their community. Guidance requires schools to plan for the health and safety of their students, families, and staff.
Representative Cheryl Youakim (DFL-Hopkins), Chair of the House Education Policy Committee, released the following statement:
“School districts across the state have been putting their plans together with the initial June guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education. A strong partnership between our districts, MDE, and the Minnesota Department of Health will be essential as local districts prepare the best method of learning that safely meets the ongoing needs of each community.
There is a science to why our kids need in-person learning and a science to how we do that safely. I believe a balance is evident between the two in this latest plan. The Legislature’s role is to support our students, families, and schools and make sure that they have the resources they need to prepare for any scenario. We are ready to work with Governor Walz on how to fairly allocate the additional Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERS) funding that our educators and administrators will need for the additional safety adjustments like cleaning, transportation, nutrition, and staffing.
It’s no secret that public schools, pre-pandemic, have been underfunded. Now more than ever before, we must support our schools, which drive our economy and are the cornerstones of our communities.”
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