Friends and neighbors,

I recently recorded a video about one of the most important issues facing our state: the cost of public education and the results we’re getting for it. For years, test scores in reading, math, and science have dropped, even as school budgets and state spending keep growing. Governor Walz and the DFL have added dozens of new mandates (over 65 in total) that make it even harder for local schools to focus on academics. Many of these mandates have nothing to do with learning and could even put federal funding at risk, the Walz administration’s violation of Title IX rules against biological boys participating in girls’ sports. That’s bad for students, teachers, and taxpayers.

I also shared a story from my own time as a school board member. Our district budget was deep in the red and losing students. Twice we asked voters for more money, and twice they said no. So we rolled up our sleeves and changed how the district operated. We focused on academics, trimmed waste, and made our system more efficient. Within two years, we went from a $750,000 deficit to a $4.6 million surplus, and we did it without raising taxes. That experience taught me that schools can be strong academically and be financially responsible. All it takes is a little courage.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch the video. Students deserve the best education we can give them, and that starts with common sense, accountability, and a renewed focus on learning the fundamentals.

You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/rS8UZcKPW9U

Important resources to read:

School board members asking Gov. Walz to comply with Title IX: https://www.titleixmn.com/
Majority of Minnesota students below grade level in reading and math: https://www.americanexperiment.org/new-data-show-minnesota-reading-and-math-scores-have-slipped/
Child Protection League: https://cplaction.com/

Please let me know if you have any questions or feedback.

God Bless,