Dear Neighbor,
Greetings and best wishes to students and teachers as a new school year began in Saint Cloud this week, with many positive changes in effect as products of the 2015 legislative session.
Most notably is a historic investment in our students that will benefit children from pre-kindergarten through high school. The Saint Cloud School District, for example, will receive an additional $407 per student, equal to several million new dollars, as a result of this past year's legislative session. This funding does not include state mandates, allowing districts to exercise local control in putting the money toward their specific needs.
There also is a new $95 million investment in early learning initiatives for pre-K children. This includes scholarships and school readiness aid, targeted to help children and families who need it most with the goal of getting them on track for success at a young age.
On a related note, the K-12 education finance package which passed this year included $1 million to be shared equally by groups in St. Cloud, Northfield and Red Wing to support educational partnerships which have proven to be effective with nonprofits like Boys and Girls Club. This will go a long way toward helping low-income children achieve in the classroom and beyond. I look forward to seeing the benefits play out locally.
A number of important reform measures also are now in place. This includes fewer mandated tests to increase classroom learning time, as well as streamlining out-of-state teacher license reciprocity. Minnesota’s teacher license process has in the past made it challenging for even the best teachers from other states to fill vacancies, even though some school districts face teacher staff shortages.
Other reform that was enacted ensures credits students earn through the Postsecondary Enrollment Option in high school transfer throughout the MnSCU system, saving students time and money down the road. Still another new law aids low-income students through a program called College Possible, which assists high schoolers in preparing for college.
Students, parents and school officials played key roles in helping these improvements become reality. More work remains in helping our children receive a world-class education and I look forward to continuing this effort. Your input always is welcome.
Good luck to local students and teachers during the new school year. Until then, have a safe and happy Labor Day. Be safe if you travel this weekend, and also take extra caution with school buses back on the roads and children crossing streets now that school is getting back in session.
Sincerely,
Jim