Every biennium (two years), the Minnesota State Legislature considers funding methods for the entire state. At the heart of that budget is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle for Minnesota’s future – education funding.

This year, perhaps more than ever, there is momentum for change when it comes to the ways we support our learners, young and old. And ISD 728 shares in that urgency, facing a more than $10 million shortfall as it attempts to balance its budget for the 2019-2020 school year.

“Years of inadequate funding formula disparities put districts like ISD 728 at a disadvantage when it comes to state funding,” said Superintendent Dan Bittman. “It is a significant, but necessary budget reduction, which is in addition to more than $10 million of reductions that have been made over the last six years. We are asking our legislators to support our 2019 Legislative initiatives, increase education funding and create equity in a funding formula that will, in turn, create and ensure quality experiences in education for all learners.”

ISD 728 staff and volunteers work together via a Legislative Action Team (LAT) that will visit the State Capitol throughout the session. The team will also meet with local Legislators during a specific, designated day to advocate for the more than 13,000 students and 1,200 staff that call ISD 728 home.

How Can YOU Help?

Many families and stakeholders have asked how they can help support the LAT in their mission to promote changes at the state level. You can join them in advocating for ISD 728 students by contacting YOUR state legislator - via a phone call or an email - urging them to join their local school community in seeking funding changes to face off challenges like those impacting so many school districts in Minnesota.

We encourage you to reach out and forge a relationship with those that represent you and your children at the State Capitol this year.

As a district, we are planning for the challenges ahead. But, we also believe that support for education from state leaders will clear obstacles in the future, providing a better and more sustainable tomorrow for students across the state of Minnesota.