Making Our Schools More Successful
Having worked with youth for much of his career, Matt knows how important quality education is to a child’s future. Too many Minnesota students are falling behind. That’s why Matt is focused on ensuring the success of all Minnesota students.
Matt’s Plan for Successful Schools
Prepare Strong School Leaders
In Matt’s experience, a school’s success largely depends on the expectations and culture set by the building’s leader. That’s why he’s been talking to education experts about how to position principals for strong leadership. Based on that input, Matt will focus on improving principal preparation and mentorship programs. And drawing from emerging research, he will encourage opportunities to test a co-principal model with separate leaders focused on academics, student wellbeing, and school operations.
Attract and Retain Quality Teachers
Teachers are leaving the profession at a high rate. And people who want to become teachers face some key barriers. Matt authored a pilot program to provide stipends to student teachers from eight Minnesota colleges and universities. Matt supports expanding this to all Minnesota student teachers so unpaid student teaching doesn’t keep future teachers out of the classroom. To make sure we keep excellent teachers in the classroom, Matt supports funding to guarantee all Minnesota teachers are paid a competitive wage with other industries and improve the Tier II teacher pension plan.
Unleash the Innovation and Creativity of Educators
Matt hears often from teachers and principals who are frustrated by outdated state laws that limit their ability to innovate. The education model we use today is largely unchanged from the 19th century. Minnesota educators have ideas how to bring education into the 21st century to prepare students for today’s world. Matt will work with educators to identify changes to state law that will allow them to use their creativity to make Minnesota a leader in school innovation.
Equalize Funding Across School Districts
School funding in Minnesota still largely relies on property taxes. But this can create big differences in resources for districts with large property tax bases and districts, like those in our area, that have smaller property tax bases. In 2024, Matt introduced a bill that would increase “equalization aid” from the state to help level the playing field between school districts. This would mean more funding for the school districts that serve Blaine and Lexington. This will provide additional opportunities and support for all students.