Article originally appeared in the Anoka County Union Herald.
Current news swirling around public education has a habit of hypothesizing “why” public schools are failing. You may have heard it’s because of a “woke” agenda, DEI programs, social emotional learning, or even trans kids. These claims gain media traction, but are they true? We have the data, so let’s look at the facts.
Since 2003, Minnesota public schools have experienced consistent financial challenges. If education funding had kept pace with inflation, schools would receive approximately $8,645 per pupil - over $1,000 more than current funding. Previous funding "increases" were often so minimal that they effectively resulted in budget cuts.
The 2023-2024 legislative session saw Minnesota Democrats making historic investments in public education. However, decades of underfunding cannot be instantly reversed, and ongoing inflation continues to widen the financial gap.
During the pandemic, we saw many of the issues facing public schools today, including student behavior concerns and increasing special education referrals, decrease with the smaller class sizes. While the hybrid format of instruction brought its own challenges, we had smaller in-person class sizes and behavioral issues were almost nonexistent. Research shows students thrive in smaller classes where they feel seen and heard. Currently, class sizes ballooning to 30-40 students directly correlate with increased behavioral issues, increased special education referrals and decreased academic achievement.
Consistent state funding is crucial. While Republicans propose private school vouchers, this approach only undermines public school funding and exacerbates educational disparities between wealthy and working-class families. Minnesotans value equal educational opportunities for all children, regardless of zip code.
Investing in public education provides a significant long-term economic return. By supporting our youngest Minnesotans, we prepare them to enter the workforce and contribute meaningfully to our economy. The path forward requires bipartisan commitment, not political finger-pointing. Legislators must prioritize consistent state funding that ensures high-quality, free education for every student; this means moving away from local property tax levies and toward a more equitable, state-level funding model.
Ultimately, public schools are the foundation of our nation. By fully funding education, we can help every student succeed and provide a genuine pathway to the American Dream.
Kari Rehrauer
Coon Rapids
Editor's Note: Rehrauer is a State Representative for District 35b.