The House bill as amended cuts integration aid statewide by $28 million and then re-distributes the same $28 million as revenue on the basic education formula to all of the states school districts. For MPS, that would be an aid cut of $216 per student to add approximately $29 per student to all school districts. The total cut to MPS would be approximately $10 million.
You can read a story about this amendment in the April 1 Star Tribune at http://www.startribune.com/stories/1592/4698809.html
According to the Urban Institute, Minneapolis and St. Paul, in contrast to the surrounding metro area, are among the most economically and racially segregated metro areas in the nation. However, with integration aid, MPS offers a wide range of school choices, low class sizes and high academic standards to all of the citys students and families. There are 25 specialty (or magnet ) choices available beyond a schools neighborhood at elementary, K-8 and middle schools; and all seven MPS high schools offer city-wide options for Small Learning Communities.
Offering more school choices not only provides the opportunity for specialized educational programs to all students, but the integration funding allows for compliance with past court orders and current state law and rules on desegregation. As a district, MPS is committed to delivering these school choices and high standards to all students, however, this funding bill jeopardizes our ability to deliver on both commitments.
If youre concerned about these issues &
The Seifert amendment was opposed in a bi-partisanship fashion by the leadership of the House Education Finance and Policy Committees. Representatives Alice Seagren (R), Barb Sykora (R), Mindy Greiling (DFL) and Lyndon Carlson (DFL) all spoke and voted in opposition. These leaders noted that this language was not introduced as a bill, nor was it discussed in the committee process.
Members of the Senate are scheduled to debate their Senate Education Bill on Wednesday, April 7. MPS opposes a cut to integration funding. If youre concerned about this issue, call or e-mail your senator (locate yours here: http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/), Senate Minority Leader Dick Day (R) at 651.296.9457 or [EMAIL PROTECTED], and Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) at 651.296.3391 or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
-- Melissa Winter Communications Department 612.668.0228 www.mpls.k12.mn.us
Minneapolis Public Schools. We Inspire Learning.
REMINDERS:
1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
