On Monday, April 7, Senate Republicans introduced the “Students First” plan, a legislative package aimed at refocusing Minnesota’s K-12 education system on student success, safe classrooms, and informed parents. The package honors the zero-dollar Senate budget target by freeing up existing funds and addressing school safety concerns without increasing costs.

“School leaders in my district tell me that the unfunded mandates the Democrat led legislature imposed over the last two years have created more red tape and less flexibility,” Senator Gary Dahms (R – Redwood Falls) said. “That’s why Senate Republicans are advancing commonsense proposals centered on students and giving local school officials the independence they need.”

Despite more than a decade of historic increases in education funding, schools across Minnesota are facing budget shortfalls, layoffs, and program cuts. The Students First plan seeks to address these challenges by giving school districts more flexibility to manage their resources. The plan would allow school boards to have more local control and the option to waive mandates enacted after January 1, 2023, as well as any unfunded mandates – unless doing so would compromise financial accountability or student safety. Republicans say this approach lets districts prioritize classroom needs and student outcomes.

In addition to funding flexibility, the Students First plan includes measures to enhance school safety and parental involvement. In February, a Senate committee hearing focused on safety concerns and the importance of communication with families when adverse or violent incidents occur. The Students First legislation would ensure schools have the tools and discretion to create safe learning environments and keep parents informed.

“The Students First legislation empowers schools to protect students while keeping families informed and involved,” Senator Dahms concluded.

Key provisions in the Students First package include:

• Senate File 1489: Allows school boards to waive costly mandates passed after January 1, 2023.
• Senate File 1141: Allows school boards to waive any unfunded mandates, unless doing so would impact financial accountability or student safety.
• Senate File 676: Prioritizes student safety and strengthens parental involvement by ensuring schools have the flexibility to respond to safety incidents.

Senator Dahms is in his fifth term representing Senate District 15, which includes communities in Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Lyon, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine counties. He also serves as the Republican Lead on the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and as a member of the Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee, as well as the Finance Committee.