The Senate SF-3631 Education Funding Omnibus Bill was heard on Thursday. In short, the Senate proposes to give schools a $36 per pupil increase in operating funds next year. Added to the 1% increase already passed last year, the total would be about 1.7%. With inflation running between 3 - 4 %, many districts will still have to make cuts. The Senate worked hard to creatively find the additional revenue, however, it was pointed out to the senators that this increase falls far short of the "emergency" funding truly needed. The senate was urged to be more pro-active in working for comprehensive funding reform to secure long term financial stability for our schools.
Provisions in the Senate Education Finance Omnibus bill include:
-A funding increase of $36 per pupil - ~$28 million (this will be on-going revenue for the districts)
-$400,000 for Math & Science Teachers Institute (A Governor initiative)
- $200,000 for Minnesota Virtual Education - an on-line learning resource for teachers and students. (A Governor initiative.)
- $400,000 for increased aid for the School Milk Program
-Adds language to include growth factors (student improvement) along with academic achievement (test results) on both federal adequate yearly progress data and state report cards.
- Increases the amount a district can levy for building leases from $100 to $150 per pupil
-Dedicates to education as new revenue all future growth from the School Permanent Land Trust Fund.
Funding for these increases is generated by shifting revenue within the current education budget - most notably by reclaiming unused Q-Comp funds, an alternative teacher pay program, and capping its growth for 4 years. The senate is also cutting the funding to the Department of Education by 4% (accepting this from the governor's proposal) and shifting payments to districts in Statutory Operating Debt from 97% in current year and 3% the following year to a 90%/10% payment schedule (accepting this from the governor's proposal).
