School funding - perennial mess

Star Tribune Wed, 14 May 2008 04:46:54 GMT
Minneapolis schools to ask voters for $60 million

Confronted with steep cuts in state funding and trying to hold class sizes, the district looks to go to the voters again. The Minneapolis school board adopted a resolution Tuesday asking voters to approve a $60 million measure this fall that would double the current excess levy, the portion of school property taxes on which taxpayers have a say. Board members approved the resolution unanimously. The money would be used to maintain current average class sizes -- 26 for grades K-3 and 32 for other grades -- and pay for other key initiatives, such as the oft-discussed Strategic Plan. "If we're really going to create quality programs and improved student achievement, we need the funds," school board Chairwoman Lydia Lee said. "Otherwise, we can't deliver."

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