Education headlines
Daily news stories
Stories from media sources around the state, updated Monday through Friday:
Friday, Jan. 17, 2025
StarTribune
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz proposes sales tax changes, spending cuts in his budget
He must work with a divided Legislature to pass a two-year budget before this summer or risk a government shutdown.
Undocumented and international students worry about their fate in second Trump term
Some Minnesota college students from foreign countries are concerned how changes to U.S. immigration policy could affect them.
Worthington’s first openly gay school board member values ‘a strong community’
Eric E. Parrish says it’s about “identifying the voices of those who aren’t sitting at the table and lifting them up so they can have opportunities to be heard.”
MPR News
Walz offers up tighter budget blueprint amid abnormal start to session
As an abnormal first week of the Minnesota Legislature wound down something completely normal happened: the governor unveiled a two-year budget blueprint.
To boost kids’ reading, Minnesota schools start to shift the way they teach
On a cold winter morning, kindergartners gather on a rug in Holly Hins’ classroom at Woodbury’s Middleton Elementary School.
Minnesota licenses first ever Karen language teachers
A state program created by a 2023 law allows teachers to become licensed to teach heritage languages. Since then, the group of teachers getting a license has been growing.
Alexandria Echo Press
Osakis School Board back with new proposal for referendum
$32.6 million would address safety, security and crowding concerns
ABC 5 | KSTP
Reducing statewide sales tax, expanding tax base included in Walz’s proposed budget plan
Gov. Tim Walz has shed light on his plans for Minnesota’s 2025 budget, saying he would like to slow down spending to balance the budget. Based on the latest budget forecast, lawmakers can either do more with less, raise taxes, or some sort of combination.
FOX 9
Gov. Tim Walz’s budget proposal for Minnesota: Here’s what’s in it
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz presented his two-year budget proposal on Thursday amid an ongoing power struggle at the Capitol.
KNSI
Walz urges lawmakers to end a power struggle upending the Minnesota Legislature
Gov. Tim Walz urged lawmakers Thursday to end a power struggle that has disrupted the first week of Minnesota’s 2025 legislative session, but expressed support for House Democrats’ boycott of the chamber to block Republicans from wielding power.
Minnesota Reformer
U.S. House passes bill banning trans athletes from competing in women’s school sports
A measure that would bar transgender students from participating on women’s school sports teams consistent with their gender identity passed the U.S. House on Tuesday.
Walz proposes slowing spending on disability services to address looming deficit
The state of Minnesota is spending more money than it’s bringing in, and if current trends continue, the state will spend down the current balance as soon as 2027.
St. Cloud LIVE
Minnesota school districts responding to threats
St. Cloud Area Schools is one of a few districts around the state to deal with social media threats made in recent days.
Park Rapids Enterprise
Gov. Tim Walz unveils ‘responsible’ budget proposal ahead of looming deficit
Walz focused on tackling fraud, cutting state spending and long-term fiscal stability in Minnesota’s 2026-27 budget.
WCCO
Gov. Walz pitches sales tax changes and trimming spending in budget proposal
Gov. Tim Walz’s budget proposal would make changes to sales tax collections and trim state spending in an effort to stave off a steep shortfall in future years.
Fridley Public Schools closed again Thursday amid safety concerns
Public schools in Fridley will be closed for a second straight day on Thursday because of “continued safety concerns,” officials said.
Wisconsin’s governor creates new violence-prevention office in wake of school shooting
Wisconsin’s Democratic governor on Tuesday created a new office dedicated to preventing gun violence, a month after a school shooting not far from the state Capitol and an idea that drew immediate opposition from Republicans who said it was misguided.
Education Minnesota press releases
Walz education budget promises needed stability, but pay and pension proposals need another look
Education Minnesota calls on legislators to keep focus on students and educators next session
Minnesota voters support the promise of public education for all students in 2024 school board elections
Mark Bauch is 2024-25 Education Support Professional of Year
2024 MEA conference offers lessons in thriving as an educator
