For Immediate Release: September 26 2012

Contact: Keith Hovis, 651-582-8374 (o) 651-308-2252 (c) or keith.hovis@state.mn.us

Education Finance Working Group to Hold Statewide Listening Sessions

Group seeks public input on improving funding system to meet the changing landscape of education in Minnesota

ROSEVILLE – Rising expectations for college and career readiness, an increasingly diverse student body and the demand to create a competitive workforce is placing greater demands than ever on Minnesota schools. At the same time, the way schools are funded hasn’t been modified in more than two decades and has become heavily reliant on property taxes just to keep pace with rising costs of transportation and staff, the need for new technology and maintenance of outdated facilities and equipment.

That’s why a task force, that has spent months examining Minnesota’s schools finance system and crafting recommendations about how to reform it, is taking its work to the people. The Education Finance Work Group is embarking on a statewide tour to share its findings and hear from Minnesotans.

“Minnesotans place a high value on the importance of a great education for every student,” said Commissioner of Education Brenda Cassellius. “But our current school funding model doesn’t’ reflect that value or the needs of 21st century schools. If we are truly going to create and sustain a world-class system of public schools, we must find a way to fund them that is nimble, smarter and more accountable.”

The first meeting will be held in North Branch this Thursday, September 27, and will continue throughout the fall. October meetings are already scheduled for Rochester, Fergus Falls, Roseville and Apple Valley-Eagan, with more dates expected to be announced shortly.

What: School Funding Listening Session

Who: Minnesota Education Finance Work Group

Meeting 1: North Branch

Thursday, September 27

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Room 126 North Branch Area Education Center

38705 Grand Avenue

North Branch

Meeting 2: Roseville—AMSD

Friday, October 5

7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

TIES Building

1667 Snelling Avenue North

Roseville

Meeting 3: Rochester – Southeast Service Cooperative

Monday, October 15

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Wood Lake Meeting Center –Oak Room

210 Wood Lake Drive Southeast

Rochester

Meeting 4: Fergus Falls- Lakes Country Service Cooperative

Tuesday, October 16

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

1001 East Mount Faith Avenue

Fergus Falls

Meeting 5: Apple Valley/Rosemount

Wednesday, October 24

6:00 pm to 8 pm

Falcon Ridge Middle School, Multi-purpose room

12900 Johnny Cake Ridge Road

Apple Valley

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