ST. PAUL, MN--Governor Dayton announced on Tuesday a proposal for $137.9 million in one-time Emergency School Aid, which would deliver needed state funding for school districts across Minnesota. At least 26 school districts in the metropolitan area including Hopkins and St. Louis Park are facing immediate budget deficits that could result in hundreds of teacher and support staff layoffs, along with significant cuts to school programs in the coming year. Governor Dayton’s proposal would increase school funding by 2 percent, which is $126 for every Minnesota student. This would result in approximately $1.7 million for Hopkins and St. Louis Park Public Schools.
Representative Cheryl Youakim (DFL-Hopkins) released the following statement:
"As a parent of three children who went through public schools, I know how important quality education is. I want the next generation of students to have the access to quality public schools that my children had. We need to be doing all we can to protect critical school funding for our students, teachers and support staff. The Governor’s Emergency School Aid plan should be a priority, especially in a time of budget surplus. Our students deserve this secured funding.”
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