Midnight came and went with little fan fare at the Capitol. After promises of early deadlines and hours of conference committee meetings, we left the Capitol without an education bill.
Just a few minutes ago, an agreement was reached between House and Senate leadership, along with Governor Walz for $543 million in FY 20/21 and $720 million in FY 22/23.
The components of the agreement include:
Formula - Two percent and two percent on the general education formula.
Special Education - $90.691 million (FY 20/21) and $142.191 million in FY 22/23 to freeze the special education cross-subsidy.
Voluntary Pre-K - $46.787 million for VPK to maintain 4,000 seats in FY 20/21 and $2.539 in FY 22/23 for ten percent prior year payment.
School Safety - $30 million (one-time funding) for safe schools grants appropriation, contingent upon closing balance for FY 19 exceeding February forecast estimated closing balance.
Tribal Contract Schools - Permanent funding for Tribal Contract Schools ($3.434 million in FY 20/21 and $4.620 million in FY 22/23.
Senate - $1.5 million per biennium, ongoing.
House - $1.5 million per biennium, ongoing.
MDE - Agency operating expenses and legal costs.
Per this agreement, only the policy provisions that were adopted in conference committee will be included in the final bill. MSBA will publish a list of adopted policy provisions once the bill finalized.
Now it is up to Governor Walz to call a special session to complete the work.
Minnesota School Boards Association | 507-934-8133 |
msba@mnmsba.org
