The state of Minnesota provides Minnesota school districts with the majority of the funding to operate our schools.
Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed a slight increase to the funding formula to aid public schools in our state. The effort to find additional funding will be a monumental undertaking as the state grapples with a $5 billion debt.
This effort to aid schools will be well received within the education community. Public schools are required to educate all of the students in our district regardless of their ability.
The governor is hoping to provide additional funding for all-day kindergarten and early childhood education. This proposal is not a new idea in International Falls as the school board has already made the commitment to have all-day, every day kindergarten. This focus on instruction for primary grades is important in the formative years of a child’s education.
There are some interesting bills moving through the Legislature at this time. A few of the important bills for education include changes to the Public Employees Labor Relations Act. The governor is also proposing a pay freeze of all public employee salaries for a two-year period.
There is also discussion of changes to specific categorical funding streams to public schools. Any of these changes would have an effect on the International Falls public school system.
We are hoping to at minimum not lose any of our funding for the next fiscal year, but have contingency plans in case of any reduced funding. The school district is scheduling for next year and looking for ways to provide new offerings for the students within the parameters of the funding we are receiving.
The school board, administration, and staff of International Falls schools are all committed to providing the best education possible for the students of our district.
We are closely monitoring political actions and the impact any changes could have on the school district.
Peura serves as superintendent of the schools in the International Falls district.
