Legislative Action Committee
About the Legislative Action Committee (LAC)
The Edina School Board developed a non-partisan Legislative Action Committee in Fall 2018 focused on issues impacting education in Minnesota and Edina Public Schools, specifically. The LAC has set the following goals:
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To develop and propose legislative positions to the School Board, designed to advance Edina Public School’s mission;
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To inform and publicize approved legislative positions and proposed actions to the Board and community;
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To coordinate advocacy efforts throughout the District;
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To advocate to state and federal legislators for positions identified by the LAC and approved by the Board.
The Legislative Action Committee was recently featured in the Sun Current
Edina Zephyrus - Instagram Post from 3/7/2024
“Students need to be advocates in government too,” Edina Public School Superintendent Dr. Stanley said. “You have to remember—we’re here for you. We wouldn’t be here without you.”
Edina’s Legislative Action Committee took a trip to the Minnesota capitol yesterday to speak about their platform for student advocacy day. They spoke to Edina’s representatives, toured the senate floor, and saw Raja Chinnakolta’s testimony before the Education Finance and Policy Committee.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C4OTeRpO9uA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
2024 Legislative Platform
The 2024 Legislative Platform was adopted by the school board on January 8, 2024.
1. Increase mental health support for students and staff
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Provide funding to hire additional support staff and develop programming resources to address the mental health needs of students and staff; and
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Increase statewide capacity to provide intensive mental health services for children and youth experiencing mental health crises.
2. Strengthen and support special education programs
- Increase efficiencies to reduce special education paperwork requirements to allow teachers to spend more time with students;
- Enact efforts to find solutions that address the growing shortage of special education para support throughout Minnesota districts; and
- Fully fund the IDEA Act (federal).
3. Stabilize education funding
Increase basic formula allowance for FY25 by an additional 2% to create a permanent funding stream related to inflation (4% total in FY25) and to offset funding pressures related to new programs adopted in the 2023 legislative session; and
Increase Local Optional Revenue to $920 per pupil to recover ground lost to inflation and link it to the basic formula.
4. Ensure safe, modern school facilities
Increase the Safe Schools levy and state aid to allow school districts and intermediate school districts to address and fund 21st century brick and mortar, plus cyber security needs.
5. Increase and diversity workforce
- Remove barriers and provide incentives to address the shortage of substitute teachers, school bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and other staff;
- Continue to expand programs and incentives to attract, develop, and retain teachers of color; and
- Maintain multiple pathways to licensure in the tiered licensing system.
6. Prioritize student-centered learning through enhanced local-decision making
- Honor local control and inherent managerial rights for elected school boards best positioned to work with students, staff, parents, and community to address local needs and challenges.
CONTACT INFORMATION | Each legislator shared their contact information inviting communication from the community with questions or feedback.
CONTACT US
Those who have questions or are interested in being involved in the work of the LAC should email
Legislative.Action@edinaschools.org.
Legislative.Action@edinaschools.org.
Legislative Action Committee Session Summary
The Legislative Action Committee (LAC) of the Edina School Board hosted a legislative Session Summary on June 7, 2023, that highlighted the work of the committee and discussed some of the newly passed education-related legislation. Committee members were joined by EPS Administration who shared about the impacts those changes will have on Edina Public Schools.
The LAC includes administration representation in collaboration with Board Member representation, plus students and members of the community:
- Dan Arom, Chair, Board Member
- Cheryl Barry, Board Member
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Dr. Stacie Stanley, Superintendent
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Jody Remsing, Director of Student Support Services
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Polly Bowles, LAC Department Specialist
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Kate Quale, Community Member
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Michael Hart, Community Member
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Sofia Doval, 12th grade EHS student
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Raja Chinnakotla, 12th grade EHS student
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Evangelia Karoussos, 12th grade EHS student
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Rowan Eggum, 12th grade EHS student
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Joe Lindberg, 12th grade EHS student
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Maggie Salmen, 12th grade EHS student
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Kawthar Benarouch, 12th grade EHS student
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George Rerat, 12th grade EHS student
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Mina Bhargava, 11th grade EHS student
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Regina Loria-Procel, 11th grade EHS student
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Anushka Narielwala, 10th grade EHS student
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Helen Chu, 10th grade EHS student
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Alvi Buzar Barua, 10th grade EHS student
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Aditi Jha, 9th grade EHS student
The LAC Lead Team works in partnership to support legislative advocacy through legislative priority development and Board approval, presentations to legislators, participation in committee meetings, and overall communication support efforts of LAC activities and events.
