District 196 board adopts 2026 legislative platform centered on funding, teacher licensure and school safety

The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School Board on Feb. 9 unanimously approved its 2026 legislative platform, which urges state lawmakers to protect the basic funding formula, require READ Act training in teacher-preparation programs and expand supports for student mental health and school safety.

Logan Schultz, principal of Echo Park Elementary School and a member of the district’s Legislative Advisory Council, told the board the district is “dependent on the legislature for 75% of our funding,” and urged lawmakers to hold districts harmless for revenue changes and to repeal a proposed $250 million cut to special education cross-subsidy funding.

The platform’s priorities list three pillars: stable, predictable funding (including protection of the basic formula and compensatory revenue); stronger teacher licensure and preparation tied to READ Act training; and policies to create safe, supportive schools through investments in mental-health staffing and flexible school-safety levies.

Student member Wy Miller, a junior on the Legislative Advisory Council, emphasized mental-health supports and said they are “foundational to learning, attendance, and the very well-being of students,” urging action to expand pipelines for social workers and counselors.

Board members asked questions and praised the inclusion of student voices during the presentation. The board voted to adopt the platform on a 7–0 voice vote, with a formal motion and second recorded by board members on the consent of the meeting.

The platform will guide the district’s lobbying and testimony during the 2026 legislative session; district leaders said they will coordinate with regional associations (AMSD, MSBA) and local legislators who met with the district earlier this month.

Next step: the platform will be used at upcoming lobby meetings and district representatives said they plan continued engagement through lobby day at the capitol.