Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Dayton wants more money for schools in second term

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

DaytonAug5

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton says he wants to continue giving annual funding increases to public schools if he’s re-elected this fall to a second term.

Dayton campaigned on a similar pledge in 2010. He told a gathering of school district superintendents today in Brooklyn Park that he was proud that he was able to accomplish that goal. But Dayton said despite new school spending of $895 million over four years, Minnesota is only slightly above the national average in per-student spending.

“Our work isn’t done,” Dayton said. “I continue to believe that increasing the basic formula is funding without strings attached that give you and your boards of education the freedom, the flexibility and the authority to make those decisions on what’s best for your district.”

Dayton did not specify how much he wants to spend on schools. He told the superintendents that his plan would rely on a state budget surplus.

The governor also said he wants to help school districts improve their facilities by creating a dedicated state fund.

“You can’t have a first-rate education system with third and fourth-rate facilities,” he said.

Dayton asked the superintendents to help him devise the right approach for the dedicated fund, and then help get the legislative support needed to make it happen.