On Monday, April 7, Senate Republicans introduced the “Students First” plan, a legislative package aimed at refocusing Minnesota’s K-12 education system on student success, safe classrooms, and informed parents. The package honors the Democrat majority’s zero-dollar Senate budget target by freeing up existing funds and addressing school safety concerns without increasing costs.

“Minnesota schools are facing serious financial strain due to the costly, unfunded mandates pushed through by Democrats in recent sessions,” Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria) said. “That’s why Senate Republicans are introducing legislation to give local school districts the flexibility they need. It’s time to restore local control to our school boards and focus on what matters most — putting our Students First.”

Despite more than a decade of historic increases in education funding, schools across Minnesota are facing budget shortfalls, layoffs, and program cuts. School officials from across the state testified before Senate education committees in January, citing the strain caused by more than 80 new mandates pushed through the legislature by the DFL Majority Trifecta over the last two years — many of them unfunded.

The Students First plan seeks to address these challenges by giving school districts more flexibility to manage their resources. It would allow school boards to waive mandates enacted after Jan. 1, 2023, as well as any unfunded mandates — unless doing so would compromise financial accountability or student safety. Republicans say this approach lets districts prioritize classroom needs and student outcomes without asking taxpayers for more money.

In addition to funding flexibility, the plan includes measures to enhance school safety and parental involvement. In February, a Republican-led Senate committee hearingfocused on safety concerns and the importance of communication with families when adverse or violent incidents occur. The Students First legislation would ensure schools have the tools and discretion to create safe learning environments and keep parents informed.

Key provisions in the Students First package include:

• SF 1489: Allows school boards to waive costly mandates passed after Jan. 1, 2023.
• SF 1141: Allows school boards to waive any unfunded mandates, unless doing so would impact financial accountability or student safety.
• SF 676: Prioritizes student safety and strengthens parental involvement by ensuring schools have the flexibility to respond to safety incidents.