Education

Strong schools are the heart of strong communities. We believe every child in Aitkin County deserves a safe learning environment, well‑supported teachers, and opportunities that prepare them for the future—whether that path leads to college, skilled trades, or local careers. Investing in education is investing in our shared future.

Strong Schools Build Strong Communities

Our schools are the heart of rural Minnesota. They are where our kids learn, where families gather, and where communities come together. But rural districts face unique challenges: declining enrollment, aging buildings, and funding formulas that don’t reflect real needs.

What’s at Stake

• Teacher shortages

• Outdated facilities

• Rising costs for transportation and special education

• Unequal access to technology and broadband

Our Values

Every child deserves a high‑quality public education, no matter their ZIP code.

The Direction We Support

• Fair funding for rural schools

• Competitive pay to attract and retain teachers

• Investments in school mental health and support staff

• Expanding broadband to ensure digital access for all students

Topics to address
a. Reverse Minnesota’s perpetual underfunding of education by significantly increasing the per-pupil funding formula.

b. SPED cross subsidy: The state must fully fund special education costs instead of relying on school districts to pay for them.

c. EL cross subsidy: Fully fund the costs districts pay to provide quality English learner programs and instruction.

d. Lower class sizes: Lower class sizes so teachers can give students more of the individual attention they need and deserve.

e. Full-service community schools: Expand access to full-service community schools across the state.

f. Teachers of color: Fund programs to increase the number of teachers of color significantly so teachers providing instruction better reflect the students in our classrooms.

g. Student support: Continue providing additional resources for school districts to hire more student support staff, including counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses and other job classifications.

h. TDE/Q Comp: Fully fund the 2011 Teacher Development and Evaluation law, an unfunded state

i. Professional development: Provide professional development to all staff around cultural competency and trauma-responsive classrooms with aims of closing the discipline disparity gap.

j. Education debt relief: Provide debt relief to retain teachers so they can afford to stay in the classroom.