Takeaways from the 2026-27 Minnesota Governor’s Biennial Budget What’s changing The Governor proposes to end the Alternative Teacher Professional Pay System (ATPPS)—commonly called Q Comp—starting in FY 2027. Fiscal impact (big picture) This is a real funding cut, not a restructuring. What Q Comp is (and why it’s being eliminated) Governor’s rationale: What replaces Q…

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Takeaways from the 2026-27 Minnesota Governor’s Biennial Budget What’s changing:The state will reimburse a smaller share of special education transportation costs, reducing state aid to school districts. Fiscal impact: Why the Governor says this is needed What the proposal actually does (step by step) 1. Initial reimbursement rate is reduced ⚠️ This is a reduction…

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Takeaways from the 2026-27 Minnesota Governor’s Biennial Budget Change Item: Legal Services Costs (MDE) What it does: Why it’s requested: Staffing: Budget breakdown (within the $6M): Bottom line:This is essentially a bridge appropriation to keep MDE’s legal team and litigation capacity functioning after the prior one-time legal funding expires. Change Item: Operating Adjustment (MDE) What…

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Takeaways from the 2026-27 Minnesota Governor’s Biennial Budget What’s changing:Clarifies that nonprofit food service funds may only be used for costs directly tied to operating the food service program. Cost: Why this is needed: Key clarifications: What this does NOT change: Bottom line:This locks nutrition dollars inside nutrition, ensuring funds improve food quality and program…

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Takeaways from the 2026-27 Minnesota Governor’s Biennial Budget What’s changing:The proposal increases MDE’s administrative capacity to support the A&I program and clarifies district responsibilities, responding directly to findings from the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA). Cost: Why this is needed: What improves under this proposal: What does NOT change: Impact on students and districts:…

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