The Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) presented Senator Carla Nelson [R-Rochester] with its 2017 Friend of Public Education Award at its recent board of directors meeting. The AMSD Friend of Public Education Award is presented annually to state policymakers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, advocacy and support of public education and issues important to AMSD member school districts.

 

“The future of Minnesota begins with the education of today’s students,” said Sen. Nelson. “Education is the great equalizer. In a significant sense, education is the moral, racial, and economic issue of the day. By providing opportunities for Minnesota students to receive an education that prepares them for the jobs of tomorrow, our children have brighter futures and our employers can better meet their hiring needs.”

 

During the 2017 legislative session, Sen. Nelson, a former teacher and now chair of the Senate E-12 Finance Committee, worked tirelessly to focus on students and fund what works. Sen. Nelson’s leadership and support was critical in securing a per pupil funding formula increase, the bedrock of school funding and the top priority of education advocates. Additionally, Sen. Nelson championed legislation to address the teacher shortage and reform Minnesota’s broken teacher licensure system.

 

“AMSD is grateful for Senator Nelson’s strong leadership and unwavering advocacy for Minnesota school districts during the 2017 legislative session,” said AMSD Chair Steve Adams. “Senator Nelson understands that consistent and stable funding is critical to the success of our students.”

 

Sen. Nelson is in her third term representing Senate District 26, which includes students in Byron, Chatfield, Dover-Eyota, Hayfield, Plainview, Rochester, Stewartville and St. Charles school districts in Olmsted County. She serves as chairwoman of the Senate E12 Finance Committee.