Although Republicans tell us they will shield schools from the budget balancing they are doing, those of us in education are feeling the impact of budget cuts, constrained resources, and “choices” forced by lack of education funding that range from difficult to impossible. We are also feeling the impacts of inflexible high stakes testing where the Legislative Auditor‘s office predicts that over 80 percent of Minnesota’s school’s will be deemed failing.
Education policy has been in the hands of Commissioner Yecke, Gov. Pawlenty said he brought her here to be a change agent for serious reform. It appears just as our governor was the choice of the Bush administration so is the commissioner. Her appointment is an attempt to allow the Bush education policy to gain a foothold in Minnesota. It is not in my opinion education reform, but reform that will take us back to the 1950s and erase progress that made Minnesota an education leader in the nation. It’s time for her to go, and send a message to the Governor that Minnesota deserves better.
Last Friday, I was invited to a meeting of the Minnesota Network for Progressive Action, to introduce myself, and tell them about my campaign and share my thoughts about issues that are important to me.
I’m honored and a little bit surprised that this 25B race is getting so much attention around the state and I appreciate knowing that there is such a wide range of progressive supporters.
MNPA is grassroots progressive politics as it should be, and what’s most exciting, it’s in the suburbs! They held a bake sale recently, are holding a Candidate Fair next month, they have a “Literary Corner” and book club, and feature speakers like Sen. Steve Kelley, who came down in the middle of a hectic time, to talk about k-12 public education.
Kelley first gave a review of issues before the legislature this session.
Some Republicans think the furor surrounding public education that they’re witnessing is “politics” and “grandstanding” or a “circus” but it was clear from the assembled group, as it was at the Yecke hearing, and as it is each day for those of us on the job in education, that this is a watershed time in our state when we must hold fast to our beliefs and turn education policy around.
After his talk, Kelley was joined by Bruce Endler, a member of the ISD 196 School Board, who gave a passionate defense of public education explaining his view that the No Child Left Behind Act is hurting schools. The group was brimming with questions and concerns. One woman, a teacher nearing retirement who loves her career, said very emotionally, “I’m worried. Senator Kelley, are you worried?” He was clear in his concern, saying, “If we don’t stand up and fight for public education, I’m worried as well.” He noted that “No Child Left Behind is a conscious attempt to undermine confidence in the public schools” and we can’t operate on that basis.
Kelley related some facts, which should be considered in light of Ray Cox’s beliefs that those demanding adequate funding for schools are longing to go back to the days of 90+% tax rates which will impact the business climate. Kelly’s point is that at that time we were getting something for our taxes. He said that in 1972, Minnesota was 22nd in per capita income and the median annual income was at the national average. In 1992, we’ve risen from 22nd to 7th in per capita income and our median annual income was $8,000 above the national average. Throughout this time, our state has been 7th in taxes. What we did at that time was invest in public education and public infrastructure, we invested in our communities, and made every Minnesotan better off. And where are we now? The way we invest in kids is our measure of success.
As you know the Education Committee is recommending that Commissioner Yecke’s appointment be denied, and I hope the Senate follows the Committee’s recommendation.