Saltzman named a ‘Friend of Education’

The Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) presented Rep. John Benson, Rep. Carol McFarlane, and Sen. Kathy Saltzman with the “Friend of Public Education” award on Sept. 12.

AMSD created the award to recognize individuals who advocate for education policy that enables public school districts to improve student learning.

“AMSD appreciates these legislators’ support for increased education funding and their efforts to address key issues such as unfunded mandates,” said John Malone, AMSD Board of Directors Chair.

All three Friend of Public Education honorees are in their first terms.

Saltzman (DFL-Woodbury) represents Senate District 56: Woodbury, Bayport, Lake Elmo, Stillwater, Oak Park Heights, Landfall and Lake St. Croix. She is a member of the Education Committee and the E-12 Education Budget Division.

Benson (DFL-43B), who represents parts of Minnetonka and Plymouth, serves on the E-12 Education Committee and K-12 Finance Division.

McFarlane (R-53B) represents White Bear Lake, White Bear Township and the eastern part of North Oaks. She serves on the K-12 Finance Division and the Disparities in Student Support and Service Subcommittee.

These legislators support proposed legislation simplifying the current education funding system and reducing reliance on the operating referendum to address the higher labor costs faced by metro school districts.

They have also worked to eliminate unfunded mandates on school districts and opposed the proposed statewide health insurance pool for school employees.

In existence since 1974, AMSD represents 28 K-12 metropolitan school districts, three intermediate school districts, two joint powers districts and more than one-third of the state's students.

While AMSD's primary task is to lobby at the state level for the needs of metropolitan school districts, it also is a source of information for member districts, legislators, the media and parent advocacy groups.

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