MREA Board Proposes 2025 Platform
Immediately following the MREA Summit in November, the MREA Board of Directors met to review and approve a draft platform aimed at legislative activity during the upcoming legislative session where a new two-year operating budget will be adopted. MREA members will be asked to approve the draft at the virtual Annual Meeting on Tuesday, December 10 at 6 pm (register for the Annual Meeting here). The platform is focused on three major themes: improving teacher compensation, closing funding gaps and paying for recent mandates, and policy flexibility — especially as it relates to course requirements.
Improving Teacher Compensation
A key theme of MREA’s proposed platform is restoring education as a respected and sought after profession. Minnesota’s public schools are struggling to attract and retain staff. Funding a system of schools is a primary duty of the State legislature and Governor. MREA is calling on state officials to take legislative action and improve educator compensation as a way of making the profession more attractive. Specifically, the MREA board supports the creation of a dedicated state revenue stream aimed at improving teacher salaries and lowering the normal retirement age whereby a teacher can retire without a reduction in retirement payments.
At the MREA Summit, we used ThoughtExchange technology as a way to get real-time reactions and feedback from attendees on this issue. The most important topic discussed by participants was the funding and financial implications of increasing the starting teacher salary to $60K, with a general sentiment of concern about the feasibility and sustainability of such an increase. Some expressed the need for innovative delivery options or mentioned the potential for sticker shock in rural districts. Other themes included concerns about funding, budget impacts and sustainability, with many members questioning where the money will come from and how it will affect current teachers’ salaries. The importance of community investment, competitive wages, and the need for a continuous revenue stream were also emphasized. Additionally, the impact on other staff salaries and the necessity for local control were noted by some.
Closing funding gaps and paying for recent mandates
The 2023 education funding bill included a provision that will increase the basic formula allowance by 2-3%. Recent CPI data indicates the “formula inflator” will come in closer to 2%. While the formula inflator is a welcome improvement to the education funding system, 2% is insufficient to meet the price inflation school districts are experiencing across the board, from insurance coverage to facilities, not to mention labor cost pressures as staff compensation continues to pursue a competitive position in the labor market. MREA is asking the legislature and Governor to pass an education funding bill that gets us closer to a 5% annual increase in funding, meaning a “3&3” increase over the forecast base for FY 26-27 would likely be needed.
Local Optional Revenue (LOR)
MREA also supports an increase in the LOR program from the current $724/pupil to $974/pupil to help districts address inflationary pressures. The $250/pupil increase is equivalent to the rise in inflation since LOR hit its cap at $724 in 2020. LOR should also be changed to “Local Required Revenue” as this funding is no longer an “option,” rather a necessary means to pay for basic education services, including the mandated unemployment insurance expansion to non certified staff for the summer term.
Long Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM), Tax Base Fairness and Categorical Funding
Improving LTFM and allowing districts to levy for roof repair and replacement is another focal point of MREA’s advocacy in 2025. Improving the equalization factors that support facilities and operating levies are critical components of treating all school districts in a fair manner. Compensatory, VPK, and meaningful minimum allowances need to be considered as the legislature works to balance the funding distribution across the state.
Policy Flexibility
Simply put, MREA is asking for a reprieve from new policy mandates. MREA would appreciate flexibility in licensure and short-call substitute teaching positions. Added course requirements make it extremely difficult for students to pursue coursework of interest as they look to their own futures.
Join the Annual Meeting to Vote on the Proposed Platform
Ensure your voice is heard by joining us virtually at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, December 10 at 6 pm. MREA’s Advocacy Team will review the platform, share insights and vote to formally approve the Platform. Register for the Annual Meeting here.