Here are the key messages our legislators need to hear:
1. They will be held accountable -- We will hold our legislators accountable
for funding the "adequate and efficient" public education guaranteed to
every child by Article 13 of the Minnesota Constitution.
2. Schools are the state's most important investment - Our public schools
are the bedrock of our state's health and success. No other investment is
comparable in long-term value to our economy and our quality of life.
3. Support the progress that's being made - There are no easy answers to the
challenges of multiple languages, special education, racial and economic
disparities and high mobility. But progress is being made. This is no time
to give up on our most vulnerable kids, who need our support and commitment.
4. Know the facts about school funding - Many Minnesotans would be surprised
to learn that Minnesota does not rank near the top among states in public
school per-pupil spending. We're 21st. And while in absolute dollars,
funding has usually increased from year to year, costs -- like health
insurance -- have risen faster. Schools already have cut administrative
costs to the bone, while the state and federal governments continue to
mandate new services without paying for them.
It is not sufficient to merely demand increased funding. It is imperative that SOS offer proposals for funding these increases. Does SOS support property tax increases, shifts to other revenue streams, if so, what? Other ideas?
Ann Berget
Kingfield
