STMA Legislative Action

  • STMA is ranked 330 out of 330 in per-pupil revenue among school districts in MN. DEAD LAST.

    Article XIII of the MN Constitution clearly states "it is the duty of the legislature to establish a general and uniform system of public schools." Yet, STMA receives $8,073 per pupil unit compared to the state average of $9,499 --- that is $1,426 [15%] LESS per pupil. That means FEWER opportunities for our students --- less art, fewer advanced classes, less music, fewer world languages, etc. That is not uniform nor is it fair.


    STMA has worked hard to increase student achievement and offer exceptional educational opportunities to help students develop their full potential and build character. In order for us to maintain this investment in our students, we need to find a way of funding public schools that create greater equity for all students regardless of their zip code. ALL students deserve support and opportunities for students should not be determined by where their parents choose to live.

  • Why School Funding Matters to You and YOUR Child

    In FY2020, STMA joined the Lake Conference. While we are similar to districts in the Lake Conference in academics, arts, activities, and athletics, in funding we are very different. 

    Lake comparable

    Yes, folks, the Hopkins School District receives $4,592 more per pupil than STMA! That’s a difference of over $29 million per year!

    Our state's current policy for funding public education is grossly inequitable, irrational, and inexplicable.

    • STMA ranks 330 --- DEAD LAST --- in general education per-pupil revenue among 330 Minnesota public school districts. To learn more click here.
    • Our students receive $9,078 per pupil in general education state aid while students from Burnsville receive $14,358 and students in Richfield receive $13,945. This means fewer opportunities for our students --- less art, less music, fewer advanced classes, fewer world languages, etc.
    • Inadequate state funding has created large disparities for taxpayers. STMA taxpayers pay more than their counterparts in nearby school districts. For example, for a $2,504 per pupil levy STMA taxpayers would pay $1,552/year while taxpayers in neighboring Hopkins would pay $365/year. That's a difference of $1,187! To learn more click here.
    • The State of MN does not fully fund special education despite a plethora of mandates. For example, in FY2020 STMA diverted $4.5 million or $677 per pupil of funding meant for regular education classroom instruction to cover mandated but unreimbursed special education programming. The $4.5 million that STMA must divert from its general fund to pay for special education mandates substantially limits opportunities for all STMA students. To learn more click here.
    • 87.0% of STMA general revenue is from state aid. However, data shows that the basic state aid formula has eroded significantly since 1991 as funding has not kept up with inflation. STMA would receive $1,185 per pupil if inflation were factored in. To learn more click here.
    • Watch this video to learn more about school funding at STMA.
    • Watch this video to learn more and see how you can help to ensure that all Minnesota students have the same educational opportunities.

STMA 2021 Legislative Platform

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How to Take Action