NC Minnesota News

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota Senate Republicans recently passed a resolution empowering local school districts to choose how best to serve their students as the new school year begins.

Locations throughout the state have their own unique characteristics; and factors such as school size, available technology, transportation requirements, special needs and others vary from district to district. Recognizing that no single policy-level decision can be made that will ensure safety for all students as they return to school classrooms, the resolution grants each community the authority to determine what fits and works best for them. When dealing with the pandemic, the governor would not be permitted to make unilateral decisions regarding school openings or closings.

"Rather than make one universal decision on education that may best serve Minneapolis schools but not those in Greater Minnesota, let's instead empower our local school districts to make those choices on their own," Sen. Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) said in a release issued by the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus. "Let’s allow them to go about implementing the smartest, safest and most creative solutions that get Minnesota children back to learning."

The American Association of Pediatrics has argued the importance of the safe reopening of schools for students' overall well-being. Parents have also voiced concern about the possibility of their children falling behind due to coronavirus mandated closures. A survey conducted by the Minnesota Department of Education showed that 64% of parents sampled want their kids back in physical schools. 

While the resolution was passed by Senate Republicans, a bill that would grant $25 million for school reopenings was stopped from reaching the floor by Senate Democrats.