MAPLE GROVE – State Representative Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, and almost two dozen colleagues sent a letter to Governor Walz on Monday asking him to allow local school districts to have flexibility in reopening schools. The letter, which can be read here, points out the one-size-fits-all approach will not serve students across our state well.
"Statewide mandates have resulted in unnecessary harm during this pandemic and continuing down that path regarding whether schools should reopen this fall would be a mistake," said Rep. Kristin Robbins. "We need to allow local school districts to make the best decisions for their communities, based on local data and in consultation with their parents and teachers. They not only need flexibility on the initial decision, but they need continued flexibility to respond to any new outbreaks of the virus in individual schools or in the broader community. They also need flexibility on how to best spend restricted or reserved funds so they can direct resources where they are needed in the coming school year. Each school district should have the opportunity to decide what is best for their students and communities and I hope the governor will allow for this flexibility."
House Republicans have also introduced legislation to allow for this local control in reopening during the second special session, which also began on Monday, July 13.
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