(ST. PAUL, MN) – Monday, Senate Republicans passed a resolution to allow school districts to decide the best option for their students this fall. Additionally, a bill to provide $25 million in grants to reopen schools was stopped by Senate Democrats refusal to support bringing the bill to the floor.

“Education of our children is ‘essential,’ and while some students thrive with distance learning, many more do not,” said Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake). “Furthermore, the state should not pretend to be the all-seeing eye. Each school district is different and requires individual attention – the boards are elected to hold that responsibility.”

Recent studies have argued the benefit of reopening schools safely this fall is important for the overall well-being of our students. The American Association of Pediatrics has said, “The AAP strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with the goal of having students physically present in school. The importance of in-person learning is well-documented, and there is already evidence of the negative impacts on children because of school closures in the spring of 2020.”

“It’s rare the Governor needs to shut the whole state down, as there are usually peaks in certain areas and not in others,” continued Westrom. “We don’t shut every school down every time a blizzard hits a region or area of our state, or we’d have disruptive statewide shut-downs many times in our winters.  Reacting to the Covid virus is much the same, and many parents I hear from want to safely have our kids return to classrooms. Resources should be made available for those who prefer to keep their children home. I want to equip decisions, not dictate them.”

Parents have weighed in on the issue as well. Nine out of ten parents surveyed by Education Trust reporting that they were worried about their child falling behind due to COVID-related closures. The Minnesota Department of Education’s own survey found 64% of parents want students back in schools this fall.

Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) attempted to bring forward a grants bill for schools from the federal CARES funds. Senate Democrats refused to declare an emergency approval of the bill and appropriate the funds for use in schools immediately. Funds from the bill could be used for personnel and material costs to ensure ongoing student and staff safety and health, and to ensure students receive basic and enriched educational services.