State funding should continue going to public schools
Regardless of the politics, state funds should keep going to schools. That’s my conclusion after interviewing about 20 superintendents and principals, Gen Olson, chair of the Minnesota Senate Education Committee (and a Republican) and Charlene Briner, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
A shutdown may delay in payments to schools. Richard Lahn, Princeton Public Schools superintendent, told me that the district anticipated receiving between $1.2 and $1.5 million. Michelle Vargas, Chief Financial Officer of Anoka-Hennepin ISD #11, the state’s largest district, reported that the district anticipates a payment of $13.6 million on July 15. Statewide, Briner of MDE estimated that school districts normally would be paid about $296 million.Lahn says a delay in payments, “…would have serious consequences for public education. If our revenue stream is cut off, choices become very limited. In the short term we can rely on our existing fund balance and or borrow money to keep our School District functioning. Most of our teachers are on 12-month contracts and we are obligated to pay them through August 31st. If the government shutdown lingers for an extended period of time, we would eventually be forced to lay off employees and cease all school services until things are settled at the Capitol. “
Jerry Hansen of Milaca responded, “Months ago we established a line of credit for just over a million dollars that we would have to access. The cost to the district was about $5,000 plus interest as we access it.
Hansen also pointed out that many school districts, including his, do summer construction projects. But construction can involve state review of plans and state inspections.
He continued, “We are remodeling a science classroom and will need a state plumbing inspection. We are lucky in that we can use a different classroom if it gets delayed, but some districts may not be able to open entire sections or buildings on time if State inspections and certificates of occupancy can not be issued.”
Lahn told me, “This could not be happening at a worse time for E-12 education. Years of inadequate state funding, taxation shifts and payment delays have left public schools cash strapped, under staffed and forced to offer bare bones programming for students. The majority of school districts do not have adequate fund balances nor can they afford to borrow additional money to operate. At some point, Minnesotan’s are going to have to decide if a quality education for our children is worth the investment.
Sen. Gen Olson, chair of the Senate Education Committee (and a Republican) told me that “based on advice from our staff, I believe the governor and MDE already have the authority to make general fund payments to schools.” She says that the administration would have to designate people as “essential” to actually send the checks to schools.
Ms. Briner wrote, “State aid payments to schools have not been deemed a “priority 1 or 2 critical service” or those which effect life or safety. Ultimately, it is up to the Court to make the final determination on critical services.”
Briner and Olson agree that they want an agreement, not a shutdown. The principles are deeply felt and intense. But I hope the courts conclude that regardless of the debate, state payments to schools should continue.
Educators are trying to do their best for youngsters. They deserve the best we can do for them, which I think means, hire people and send out the money that schools already have been promised.
Joe Nathan, a former public school teacher and administrator, directs the Center for School Change at Macalester College. He welcomes reactions, jnathan@macalester.edu
