ST. PAUL - The best way to solve problems in Minnesota schools is to start from the bottom up - with the state's smallest students - the state's teacher union says.
But that's not all, Education Minnesota President Judy Schaubach said as she called on the Legislature and Gov. Tim Pawlenty to fund and repair the state's education system.
"Public education in Minnesota has been neglected for far too long," she said Tuesday.
Legislators applauded the goals Schaubach laid out, which included funding increases for early education, college tuition, special education and teachers.
"All laudable goals," said Rep. Mary Murphy, DFL-Hermantown, chairman of the new House education committee.
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The push for all-day, every-day kindergarten received a shove from Shaubach's group. The concept, already instituted by some Minnesota school districts, has received strong support among decision makers in St. Paul, although Republican Pawlenty has bristled at its cost.
Last week he cited a $320 million price tag if all schools were to take on the kindergarten program.
Schaubach didn't have a total cost for her package, but said it's possible that the voluntary kindergarten initiative could be phased in over a period of years.
"Our kids are an investment," and not a cost, she said.
Pawlenty is expected to announce more details today of his priorities during his State of the State speech, and more details will come when he releases his budget next week. Among topics he may address is reform in public high schools, a concept he mentioned during his inaugural address.
Schaubach said the focus should instead be on closing achievement gaps before they manifest by high school age. That, she said, begins with pre-kindergarten education.
Forum Communications reporter
Mike Longaecker can be reached
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at (651) 290-0707
