Anoka-Hennepin Schools is focusing on three strategic priorities and asks for your support in these areas .
1
IMPROVE LITERACY AT ALL GRADES
The district asks the legislature to increase the basic formula allowance by an additional 2 % for FY 25 . The 2 % allocated for FY 25 does not cover the costs associated with implementing the READ Act , inflation and other mandated programs .
IMPROVE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT , 2CONNECTION AND BEHAVIOR
The district asks the legislature to modify school resource officer and school staff language regarding their ability to respond to situations involving students and staff .
Our SROs are an integral part of our schools and the relationships built between SROs , staff and students have been invaluable to us . The district asks the legislature to allow flexibility to use school personnel aid to contract mental health therapists needed for student support . The district asks the legislature to change the K-3 discipline statutory language to better ensure student and staff safety .
INCREASE EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
3The district asks the legislature to support creative
strategies to increase the number of licensed teachers in order to meet staffing shortages , including increasing the flexibility in the tiered licensure process .
The district asks the legislature to reduce Special Ed paperwork to allow teachers to spend more time directly with students .
The district asks the legislature to refrain from passing any additional unfunded mandates to allow for our school board to be in the best position possible to address local needs and challenges .
In addition , the district asks that the legislature support an increase in the equalization of the operating referendum to help reduce the property tax burden in our community .