Stillwater Area Public Schools — Transcript
Areas of Interest
- District received only $2,142 in new state revenue while state gave $250M in one-time car tab relief — superintendent calls session disappointing.
- A single charter school reportedly received $1 million of the $10 million compensatory revenue pool; superintendent can't explain the formula.
- $250 million special education cut still scheduled for next budget cycle; no long-term funding plan.
- Teacher's public testimony links academic pressure to rising third-grade anxiety and behavior problems; instructional minute mandates block outdoor learning.
- District walking back multi-age classroom model after staff pushback; new model may push elementary classes to 30-32 students with teaching assistants.
- 'Inaccurate narrative' that district will substitute TAs for teachers — administrators pushing back on internal rumors.
- Statewide educator health insurance proposal: district with strong benefits could lose state aid; AMSD and MSBA opposed.
- Constitutional amendment education campaign needed since a blank ballot counts as a no vote.
11 Topics in This Document
Recognition of state wrestling champions Noah Nicholson and Audrey Rogalski
Public comment on outdoor learning and student mental health at Stonebridge Elementary
Superintendent legislative session update: compensatory revenue, safe schools grants
Operating capital revenue flexibility for utility bills
Statewide health insurance for educators study/survey mandate
Paraprofessional qualification requirements aligned with special education
Proposed school trust land / school interest constitutional amendment
$250 million special education funding cuts in next budget cycle
Charter school funding disparities in legislative allocations
Elementary staffing model: class size ratios, teaching assistants vs. added sections
Board chair report: end of school year thanks
▸Full Extraction
- District received only $2,142 in new state revenue while state gave $250M in one-time car tab relief — superintendent calls session disappointing.
- A single charter school reportedly received $1 million of the $10 million compensatory revenue pool; superintendent can't explain the formula.
- $250 million special education cut still scheduled for next budget cycle; no long-term funding plan.
- Teacher's public testimony links academic pressure to rising third-grade anxiety and behavior problems; instructional minute mandates block outdoor learning.
- District walking back multi-age classroom model after staff pushback; new model may push elementary classes to 30-32 students with teaching assistants.
- 'Inaccurate narrative' that district will substitute TAs for teachers — administrators pushing back on internal rumors.
- Statewide educator health insurance proposal: district with strong benefits could lose state aid; AMSD and MSBA opposed.
- Constitutional amendment education campaign needed since a blank ballot counts as a no vote.
“I've noticed an increase in students coming to me even in third grade with pre-existing anxiety disorders, depression and also an inability to cope with the pressures of their education.”
“the number one obstacle to getting kids outside more was the demand of instructional minutes. Every minute of the day already spoken for.”
“If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them get out of their chairs.”
“I would say for education, I'm disappointed in the session.”
“There is a charter school that is receiving $1 million of that 10 million.”
“we have very good benefits in our district, and we would be getting less money in state aid than districts who weren't didn't have as good of benefits.”
“That's an inaccurate narrative. So, we're going to look at both scenarios.”
“we don't want to TA our way out of this, but we also want to be able to make responsible fiscal decisions that still keep the integrity of learning in place.”
“I'm just a snap down go behind guy. I just throw them down go behind them.”
“I think next year we're going to bring home team title.”