Posted 2/28/01 Some educational reforms may be on the way If suburban school districts expect a veto-proof K-12 funding bill with more money than the governor has recommended, they'd better be prepared to accept some educational reforms right away. State Education Commissioner Christine Jax, who is hearing cries for more money from growing suburban school districts, said the governor is looking for some changes, more accountability and an impact on academic achievement by spending more money. School district officials are saying they will have to cut millions of dollars to balance next year's budget, if they don't get more money that the governor has budgeted. The governor is proposing no new money on the basic aid per student formula the first year and a 1.8 per cent increase on the formula the second year. He also is proposing new incentives amounting to $129 million that would be negotiated with teachers who are special and who have unique talents to to address the unmet needs of students. All totaled, he is proposing a total of $489 million in new money for all the state aid to K-12 education. This includes the basic aid, special education and transportation aids and all other aids from the state, including the $129 million for the performance pool. That compares to the $1.3 billion he approved in new state aid money for this year and last. Jax points out, however, that school districts regretfully have made promises for next year, particularly in wage contracts, based on money they didnít have and thought the legislature and governor would provide. The governor, however, mindful of the fact that under his watch the cost of government has already gone up 16 percent, has decided school districts will have to feel some budgetary pain before they will reform present ways of teaching. There is a growing body of opinion in the state and legislature that agrees and is asking ìHow much is enough?î Jax says people and even some teachers question the step-and-lane contract system that merely gives more money to every teacher regardless of performance. That system is losing favor to one that would make some changes to make education measurably better. School districts are counting on the House and Senate to pass a bill with considerably more for education than is contained in the Governor's bill. The legislators, however must reconcile their differences with the governor who wants to see some changes tied to rewards to enrich the life of every student in Minnesota. Meanwhile, Jax suggests parents go to the web site of the Department of Children and Families and Learning and check out how their school district is spending its money and then go to the school board and voice their concerns. That web address is http://cfl.state.mn.us ñ Don Heinzman ©Post Review