Senate Republicans today 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.

Senator Julia Coleman (R-Waconia), Lead Republican on the Senate Education Policy Committee, emphasized the need to empower school districts with the flexibility to use their funding in ways that best serve their students.

“Over the past couple years, more than 80 new mandates were passed into law, many of them unfunded,” said Sen. Coleman. “When we burden school districts with unfunded mandates, we pass along that burden to students, teachers, and parents. School districts know their communities best, and we want to give them the ability to use their budgets to improve student achievement—not just check boxes on one-size-fits-all mandates from St. Paul.”

Despite more than a decade of historic increases in education funding, schools across Minnesota are facing budget shortfalls, layoffs, and program cuts. In January, school leaders from across the state testified before both Senate education committees about the strain caused by the volume of new mandates passed by the current majority.

In addition to reducing that burden, Senator Coleman is making school safety a top priority. In February, she chaired a hearing on the issue and heard emotional testimony from parents and teachers about the rise in violence, abuse, and disruptions in classrooms. That hearing inspired Senate File 676, a bill that would require schools to notify parents when a violent incident occurs and protect teachers from retaliation when they speak up about safety concerns.

“Kids can’t learn or thrive if they’re worried about violence, and teachers shouldn’t feel afraid to speak up when something’s wrong,” Sen. Coleman said. “Strengthening how and when parents are notified is just a common sense. It’s about transparency and rebuilding trust between families, teachers, and schools. Every child deserves to feel safe at school. That’s something we can all get behind.”

The Students First plan puts the focus back where it belongs—on student achievement, local flexibility, and parental involvement. At a time when schools are stretched thin and classrooms face growing challenges, this plan delivers a responsible, student-centered solution. Senate Republicans are committed to ensuring every child in Minnesota has access to a safe, supportive learning environment and that parents, teachers, and districts have the tools they need to make that happen.

Key elements of the Students First plan include: 

• Allowing School Boards to waive costly mandates passed after Jan 1, 2023. (S.F. 1489)
• Allowing School Boards to waive any unfunded mandates, unless it would impact financial accountability or student safety. (S.F. 1141)
• Prioritizing student safety by keeping parents informed through enhanced notification and transparency requirements. (S.F. 676)