Legislative Platform and Delegation

Ensuring equitable student achievement and promoting safety through stable and predictable funding

Our district is committed to giving scholars and families the educational experience they desire and deserve as outlined in a new strategic plan. It’s going to take the financial backing of our state and communities to bring this to life. As such, we strongly believe that educational decisions that directly impact our scholars should be made at the local level. The following priorities have been identified to secure the necessary funds to achieve these critical needs:

Provide stable, predictable funding

Increase the general education formula by 5% each year and index the general education formula and local optional revenue to inflation.
- The $1,263/pupil lost to inflation since 2003 amounts to $28 million for our schools. Source: Ehlers Inc., 2022.
Link all categorical funding to inflationary increases in the general education formula.
Fully fund Special Education
- The special education funding shortfall for our schools is $20.2 million. Source: MDE, fiscal year 2021.
Fully fund the English Learner program, the student group with the largest achievement gap at Osseo Area Schools.
- The English Learner funding shortfall for our schools is $8.6 million. Source: MDE, fiscal year 2021.
Allow school boards to renew existing levies that have been approved by voters without additional elections.

Enhance school safety and support mental health

Increase Safe Schools funding to support the mental health needs of scholars and staff.
Expand the allowable uses of long-term facility maintenance funding to include the
modification of buildings to enhance safety and security.

Support achievement gap closure

Expand programs and incentives to attract, develop and retain teachers of color.
Remove barriers and provide incentives to address the shortage of teachers, school bus drivers, education service professionals, and other staff.
Replace MCA exam with a more instructionally-relevant measurement.
Support all students by providing universal free meals.

Reduce mandates

Fully fund all existing mandates and refrain from adding any new unfunded mandates.

These platform items align with those of several statewide education organizations, including Association of Metropolitan School Districts, Minnesota School Boards Association, Minnesota Association of School Administrators, and Minnesota Association of School Business Officials.