ANOKA-HENNEPIN SCHOOLS Legislative Priorities for 2023
1
Improve student outcomes with additional resources
Increase the basic general education formula by 5 % in each year of the biennium . Increase equalization of the operating referendum and local optional levies to reduce tax burden for property owners . Increase Local Optional Revenue to $ 840 . Increase special education funding to eliminate or reduce the cross subsidy ( shortfall ) which requires resources from the district ' s general fund . The Anoka-Hennepin cross subsidy for this school year is approximately $ 35M .
2
Invest in school safety
Increase capacity for Safe Schools revenue through levy and the addition of state aid to support student mental and chemical health , and other physical safety needs .
3
Address staffing challenges
Support creative strategies to increase the number of licensed teachers in order to meet staffing shortages , including maintaining or increasing flexibility in the tiered licensure process , and removing barriers affecting the substitute teacher shortage . Oppose any new unfunded mandates that increase administrative expenses and burdensome paperwork requirements .