Parents, Not Politics: Why This New Plan Could Change Minnesota Schools Forever

Senate Republicans rolled out a new education plan last week aimed at putting the focus of Minnesota’s K-12 system back where they say it belongs—on student success, safer classrooms, and stronger parental involvement.

Spearheaded by Senator Julia Coleman, the Students First plan proposes a series of reforms to ease the strain on schools caused by an influx of new rules and rising safety concerns—all without increasing the state’s education budget.

“Over the past couple years, more than 80 new mandates were passed into law, many of them unfunded,” said Coleman, who serves as the top Republican on the Senate Education Policy Committee. “When we burden school districts with unfunded mandates, we pass along that burden to students, teachers, and parents.”

Despite years of record-high education funding, schools across Minnesota are still facing tough choices—cutting programs, laying off staff, and managing budget shortfalls. In January, school leaders from around the state testified about how these new state requirements have stretched their resources thin.

The Students First plan aims to give local districts more control over how their money is spent by allowing them to opt out of mandates that came after January 1, 2023, and to decline any new mandates that don’t directly impact student safety or financial oversight. The idea is to reduce red tape so schools can focus more on students, not paperwork.

Another major piece of the plan is improving safety in schools. After hearing powerful testimony from parents and teachers earlier this year about violence and disruptions in classrooms, Coleman introduced a bill that would require schools to notify parents when violent incidents happen. It would also protect teachers from retaliation when they speak up about safety concerns.

“Kids can’t learn or thrive if they’re worried about violence, and teachers shouldn’t feel afraid to speak up when something’s wrong,” said Coleman. “Letting parents know what’s happening is just common sense. It’s about transparency and trust.”

The Students First plan includes three main proposals:

• Local Control: School boards can waive certain costly requirements passed after Jan. 1, 2023.
• Budget Relief: Schools can opt out of unfunded mandates that don’t affect safety or oversight.
• Stronger Safety Measures: Schools must notify parents of violent incidents and support teachers who report safety issues.

Republicans say the plan is about putting kids first by removing barriers that get in the way of learning and giving communities more say in how their schools are run.

“At a time when schools are stretched thin and classrooms are facing bigger challenges, this is a smart, student-centered solution,” Coleman said. “Every child deserves a safe, supportive learning environment—and this plan helps make that happen.”