List members, I submit articles to community newspapers and I wanted to share this one in light of the fact that the session is suppose to end this evening. The Fundamental Right to an Adequate Education With the end of the legislative session looming before us, the revenue that school districts will receive does not keep pace with inflation and rising costs from benefits of employees to utility and transportation costs. Many of you called and/or rallied on behalf of our students and we thank you for your efforts. Unfortunately, Minneapolis, as well as hundreds of other school districts, was forced to make many cuts and lay-offs to be able to balance the budget for the next year. As bad as it is, it could be worse! Compensatory education funding (comp ed) is state money that is targeted to areas of concentrated poverty in order to meet the needs of students at risk. Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth receive the highest amounts of comp ed funding due to demographics. This year, many suburban legislators in the House are attempting to pass legislation that would freeze comp ed funding this year and for the next 2 years. These legislators, led by House Speaker Steve Sviggum, plan to continue their fight to remove all comp ed funding by 2004. The argument used by these legislators is that "a kid is a kid is a kid". Minneapolis stands to lose $44-$57 million over what it is already losing. As a district, we are very alarmed by this agenda. Minnesota's State Constitution provides that it is a fundamental right of every child to receive an adequate education. What is meant by an adequate education? According to case law from other states which also have adequacy guarantees in their constitution, it means that a student receives sufficient preparation leading to a productive life for further education, work and participation in civic activities. Because this is a right guaranteed by the state constitution, the courts will look upon the protection of this right the same way it applies to the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. At our May 8th Board meeting, we heard from Steve Routh, an attorney from Hogan and Hartson in Wash. DC. Mr. Routh is an expert in the area of school law. He spoke about the history of such litigation since Brown vs the Board of Education , 1956. His presentation was very insightful and he raised several important issues. In 1993, a lawsuit was brought against the state by 52 outer ring suburban districts and a few rural ones that claimed the state funding system violated the constitution. The decision of the Supreme Court, Skeen vs the State of Minnesota, maintained that school boards have standing to sue the state over adequacy in funding, that accountability has to include the state rationale for funding of education, and that equity in education does not mean equal funding. The 1993 suit was ruled against the plaintiffs because it was decided that funding in those districts was sufficient to provide an adequate education that met or exceeded the state standards. However, it opened the door for adequacy suits in the future. In other states' courts considering adequacy claims, the argument that "a kid is a kid is a kid" does not hold up under strict scrutiny, because where there are gaps in the needs of children, the state is constitutionally obligated to provide resources that would close those gaps. In New York, the highest court ruled that New York City did not receive enough state funding to provide an adequate education to all students. In North Carolina, the courts have ruled that the state needs to provide funding for school readiness programs to ensure an adequate education for at-risk youth (pre K programs). As Steve Routh pointed out, courts have consistently ruled that the intent of the adequacy clause in the states' constitutions did not mean equal funding to all children defined equity in education. What does this mean for Minneapolis? We continue to fight vigorously to keep comp ed funding in place, it is the state's obligation to close the adequacy gaps. We had many allies in this, including Duluth, St. Paul, and many first and second ring suburban school districts (Association of Metropolitan School Districts) as well as the Minnesota Rural Education Association. All these groups as well as many others appeared with us at a press conference in the Capitol to speak against this House provision. The Senate does not have similar provision at this writing, but it is unclear what will happen in conference committee. With Sviggum in the speaker's role, this fight will be continued next year. If this provision to "sunset" comp ed prevails, it is likely that it would be challenged in the courts. It is hoped that this will not be the case, but no one knows what the future holds. In this legislative session, education in Minnesota has lost out. High School Reform: Full Steam Ahead! On May 8th, we also held our third Policy Study Session. The topic for this session was High School Reform. Over 150 people attended the session and we had 25 speakers from the community, including representatives from the Latino community, the Somolian community and several high school students. They all provided us with insightful comments. Our High School Reform Initiative is moving along at a fast pace. Joel Kramer, president of our Minneapolis Foundation Board, is working closely with the McKinsey Group, a consulting firm that is providing analysis for the district pro bono. They are on target to have the system framework in place by next fall so choices can be made for the school year 2002-03. It is very exciting and important work and we are very grateful for the efforts of Mr. Kramer, the McKinsey Group and every one who is working on this initiative. Our goal is to decrease dropouts, and provide meaningful education for every student in small learning communities. Volunteers Recognized for their Efforts On May 10th our many volunteers were recognized for the time and effort they donate to the students in our schools. Although all our volunteers are wonderful, this year's top honor, the B.J. Reed Award went to Vincent Shea who has been volunteering in our schools for 19 years! Thanks and congratulations to Vince! If all the time and talent were to be added up in dollars, then the efforts of all our volunteers would be in the millions of dollars! Thanks to all who give of their time and talents. Audrey Johnson MPS BOE 10th Ward _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
