Senator Lucero visits schools during Principal for a Day

Sen. Eric Lucero (R-Saint Michael) visited Big Wood Elementary School and STMA Middle School East on Tuesday, January 9 during Principal for a Day. 

Principal for a Day is an annual event that pairs local legislators and community officials with school principals. The event allows legislators to experience the role of a school principal for a single day, offering an insider’s view of the everyday challenges, complexities, and responsibilities faced by school officials. 

“We have incredible teachers and staff serving students in our great community,” Sen. Lucero said. “The experience, passion, and dedication of our great teachers and staff is second to none!”

The visit included shadowing Principal Peterson and Principal Kelly, touring the schools, meeting with students and teachers, and a legislative question and answer session with district staff along with State Rep. Walter Hudson (R-Albertville). Among the feedback received was the ‘historic funding’ promoted by some in Saint Paul was nothing of the sort when the state dollars reached our community, and the state’s current teacher licensing system is broken resulting in too few qualified individuals in specialized teaching areas able to obtain a license.

“As a former educator myself, I’m a firm believer in maximizing educational opportunities and academic excellence,” Lucero said. “STMA continues to be at the bottom of the per-pupil state funding formula and reforming the education funding formula to achieve greater equity statewide continues to be among my top legislative priorities.”

Photo attachment: Senator Lucero participates in Principal for a Day at local schools.