MN public schools, burdened by tight budgets, state their case

BEMIDJI — Minnesota's smaller school districts are preparing for another year of doing more with less, and a high school teacher from the Bemidji area said funding challenges have become too common, and as of late, unpredictable.

Joe Gould teaches social studies in Cass Lake and recently, he was in Washington, D.C., for conferences led by the American Federation of Teachers. He also shared his views about budget constraints with the state's Congressional delegation. His district only has about 1,000 students and gets most of its funding from the state and local property taxes, but federal funding helps cover needs like special education.

Gould said it has been inadequate.

"For a long time now, the federal government has not been living up to its promise for fully funding special education in our schools," Gould explained. "We really need their support there."

As needs grow, smaller districts have a hard time maintaining special ed staff because larger districts offer higher pay. This summer, public schools were caught off guard by the Trump administration abruptly freezing several billion dollars in aid for other services. The White House argued it was reviewing grants to ensure money isn't used for a "radical, left-wing agenda."

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said $74 million in frozen education funds were released on July 25.

Gould, who once served as a legislative staffer, argued the infusion of politics in education does not align with the feedback he receives.

"I have found just an overwhelming sense of support from community members for our teachers and our students in public schools," Gould observed.

Nationally, Americans have had a more mixed response about their feelings toward public schools.

Gould credited Minnesota's Legislature for taking steps the past few years to enhance school funding but districts of all sizes still struggle to keep up with costs and the state faces a deficit in coming years.

Gould added it is tricker these days asking property owners to chip in.

"People are feeling pretty strapped when it comes to paying property taxes," Gould acknowledged.

He was encouraged to see recent reforms but stressed more changes could help in his part of the state, like shifting property tax revenue from cabin owners to local schools.