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With a state surplus of over $9 billion there are many organizations justifiably wanting a piece of the pie this legislative session. As a lifelong educator, it is my strong opinion that the first priority of the Legislature should be to pay for unfunded services that school districts are required to provide.
Since the passing of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) in 1975 the state and federal government have rightfully mandated programming and services for students with special needs, but they have grossly underfunded these mandates. This forces districts to use regular general education funds to pay for some special education programming which is referred to as the “special education cross subsidy.” These unfunded mandates have impacted the educational programs in districts across the state unequally and unfairly.
In Cook County Public Schools, the special education cross subsidy surpassed $700,000 in 2020. Allocating just 8 percent of the current surplus to eliminate the cross subsidy in all Minnesota districts would essentially provide our district with a 10 percent increase in general education revenue by simply funding what is required. Such an increase would provide a much-needed lifeline as we look to the end of federal pandemic funds in 2024.
Earlier this session HF 2657, a bill submitted by St. Cloud Rep. Dan Wolgamott, was heard in the House Education Finance Committee. The Senate companion bill, SF 4124, has been introduced by Sen. Kari Dziedzic. The bill would eliminate the special education cross subsidy that every school district in Minnesota is experiencing. Please reach out to your legislators and encourage support for HF 2657 and SF 4124. We need to advocate together for the full funding of mandated education programs so that all districts are on equal ground, all taxpayers receive equal educational benefits from their tax payments and all students have a fair opportunity for a quality education.
Chris Lindholm, Cook County
Public Schools Superintendent
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