The Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) awarded Senator Eric Pratt with its Friend of Public Education Award on Friday, August 8, 2014 at its Board of Director’s Meeting. The AMSD Friend of Public Education Award is given to state policymakers or citizens who demonstrate exceptional leadership, advocacy and support of public education and issues important to metropolitan school districts.

Senator Pratt was selected for the AMSD Friend of Public Education award because of his outstanding contributions to public education in the 2014 session. Senator Pratt has been a strong supporter of local control and respecting the rights of locally-elected school boards. He was instrumental in forging a compromise on the Safe and Supportive Schools Act, working across party lines to secure important changes to make the legislation less burdensome for school districts while still protecting students and staff. Senator Pratt also provided critical leadership and worked diligently to make important changes to proposed health insurance legislation impacting school districts.

“AMSD members are extremely thankful for the outstanding, bi-partisan leadership provided by Senator Pratt,” noted AMSD Executive Director Scott Croonquist. “He quickly recognized the impact proposed legislation could have on local school districts and worked diligently to address those concerns.”

“Senator Pratt has a keen understanding of the issues faced by local school boards. He understands the issues metro districts face and we are thankful to have him working on behalf of Minnesota school districts and their students at the Capitol.” said Holly Parker, chair of AMSD and a member of the Eden Prairie School Board.

Senator Pratt was elected to the Senate in 2012 and represents the Belle Plaine, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage, Jordan, Lakeville, Prior Lake-Savage and Bloomington school districts.  Before becoming a legislator, Senator Pratt served as chairman and as treasurer of the Prior Lake-Savage School Board.