The bills refocus schools on achievement, safety, and parental involvement
Senate Republicans this week introduced the “Students First” plan, a legislative package aimed at returning the focus of Minnesota’s K-12 education system to student success, safe classrooms, and informed parents. The bills honor the zero-dollar Senate Budget Target set by the Democrat Majority by working to free up existing funds and address safety concerns in schools without increasing costs.
Despite more than a decade of historic increases in education funding, schools across Minnesota are facing budget shortfalls, layoffs, and program cuts— they testified to both Senate education committees in January about the challenges created by trying to comply with more than 80 new mandates passed by the Democrat majority in just the last two years.
“Schools should be focused on student achievement—not weighed down by unfunded mandates,” said Senator Robert Farnsworth (R-Hibbing). “At a minimum we need to let them off the hook for mandates that the legislature doesn’t fund. Schools only have two options to make up the difference: cuts or levies. My bill will give them more flexibility with existing dollars to make sure every student’s needs and academic goals are being met.”
In addition to relieving schools from unfunded mandates, the group also proposes to allow school boards to waive any mandate enacted after January 1, 2023. “Unfunded mandates are just half the problem,” Farnsworth said. “Every school is different and legislators in St. Paul simply can’t provide a one-size-fits-all solution to every problem. Schools should have the funding they need without strings attached so they can prioritize and meet the needs of their students.”
Finally, the group offered a bill to keep classrooms safe and parents informed when there is an adverse or violent incident at school. “No parent should learn from Facebook that there was an incident at their kids’ school, but that’s the case far too often,” Farnsworth commented. “This is a simple and practical step towards increasing transparency and trust in schools’ ability to keep students safe.” Under the temporary power-sharing agreement, Republicans held a Senate Committee Hearing on the topic of school safety in February.
Summary of key elements of the Students First plan:
- Allow School Boards to waive costly mandates passed after Jan 1, 2023. (SF 1489)
- Allow School Boards to waive any unfunded mandates, unless it would impact financial accountability or student safety. (SF 1141)
- Prioritizing student safety and strengthening parental involvement by ensuring schools have the resources and flexibility to create safe learning environments. (SF 676)