ST. PAUL, Minn. — On April 24, the Minnesota Senate voted to pass this year’s Education Policy omnibus bill. Senate File 1740, authored by Senate Education Policy Committee Chair, Senator Steve Cwodzinski (DFL-Eden Prairie), contains a number of policy provisions to improve student attendance, limit distractions in the classroom, increase transparency and accountability in charter school governance, protect student health and safety, and more.
“As a former teacher, my most firmly held belief is that education is the key to securing ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,’” said Senator Cwodzinski. “Across Minnesota, from rural towns to the Twin Cities, our students gain knowledge and skills to shape their future and strengthen their communities. A strong public education system empowers Minnesota’s young learners to participate fully in democracy, advocate for their rights, and access opportunities that lead to economic stability and personal fulfillment. By supporting our future leaders and their education, our state is ensuring that the next generation can carry forward the promise of freedom and equality that lies at the heart of the American ideal.”
Senate File 1740 contains the following provisions:
- Creating more transparency in charter school governance: Improves ethical standards, transparency, and financial oversight for charter school governance, because students deserve stability in their education.
- Clarity on student absenteeism: Builds some statewide consensus on what qualifies as a student absence.
- Limiting classroom distractions: Requiring districts to limit the use of cell phones in schools, while balancing student access.
- Carrying opiate antagonists in school: Keeps students safe by allowing high schoolers to carry opiate antagonists in school with parental permission.
- Improving the READ Act: Further supporting student literacy by focusing early intervention on students who need the most support.
- Allowing student representation on school boards: Allows school districts to include two student representatives on school boards, if they choose.
- Supporting students with catastrophic injuries: Requires the Minnesota State High School League to obtain catastrophic injury insurance for students injured in extracurricular activities.
The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 39-26. Following passage of the House’s education proposals, the bill will go through a conference committee to resolve the differences between the two bodies.
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