Minnesota schools are about to get a huge bump in the budget. We’re talking $2.1B over the next few years. But (and you knew there was going to be a but) politicians can’t agree how it should be spent.
Here’s Five Fast Facts About Minnesota’s School Budget:
- 📖 New Math - Currently, the budget is $6,863 per student per school year. The new bills would add $275 to that total, which is a 4% increase ($7,138). Not bad. Both the House and Senate agree on that.
- ✍️ Decimals - The bills are also in agreement for most things. For example, they both allow school districts to keep property tax levels in place by a school board vote rather than a public one. There’s fewer administrative red tape that way and the money isn’t held up, but it will put those school board positions under a microscope for folks concerned about taxes.
- 📚 Curriculum - Both bills put a focus on improving reading skill, expanding early childhood learning offerings, and hiring teachers of color.
- 🔬 Microscope - The difference is in the details, though. The Senate bill would add a 5% bump in year two. The House bill wants 2%, but the percentage increases to match inflation, capped at 3% annually.
- 🤔 Buddy System - Republicans aren’t making noise about this and neither are Democrats. The only thing they’re wincing at are the number of mandates, so expect those to be nitpicked and bargained in or out of the process.
🔥Bottom line: Our schools have been behind the curve (sorry) on the funding front for a long time. It’s nice to see something is finally being done without a lot of partisan fighting for once.
What do you think of the plan?
Let us know by connecting with us on Facebook and Instagram! Also, remember to share this newsletter with your friends & coworkers!
Btw, If you’ve read this far and haven’t yet signed up for the weekly Paycheckology newsletter, CLICK HERE!
