Once upon a time when I was a girl (in the ‘50s), Minnesota’s schools were among the best in the nation. Maybe that’s why I chose to teach. I’ve loved teaching, though I’ve cringed at the incessant cuts schools have faced in Minnesota. Since I moved to Grand Marais, it’s been nearly an annual ritual.
Minnesota’s schools have slid from top in the nation to just below the middle. Why? Statewide funding cuts. I find it unconscionable for a state that prides itself on its brain power to cheat its children. According to US Department of education statistics, Minnesota ranked number nine on the average spending per student in 1959, but last year we ranked number 25. Hmmm…
Education Week
ranked the schools of each state in the nation on a number of factors, including students’ opportunity for success, achievement, district finances, and teacher quality. Minnesota ranked 25th with a score of 75.8 out of 100, a good solid C. That’s below
the national average of 75.9. What gives?
Our children are our most precious resource, and we owe them the quality education that we enjoyed as young people. It breaks my heart to see class sizes growing and elective courses cut. It infuriates me that the state legislature sees fit to delay payments to Minnesota schools. It frustrates me to see talented teachers cut. Who pays? Our young people. Our future.
The public schools need our support; we can show that we value education by voting YES on the School Levy Referendum in November. It will cost us $67 for every $100,000 of property value. Seems a small price to ensure quality education. Who knows? Maybe our new legislature will value education. One can always dream.
Ann Mershon
Retired teacher
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