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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Takeaways from the 2026-27 Minnesota Governor’s Biennial Budget What’s changing:The Governor proposes expanding how districts can use Student Support Personnel Aid (SSPA) and changing how some of the aid is distributed to cooperatives; with no new cost (budget-neutral). Why this change is proposed What districts could do with the aid if they can’t hire licensed…

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This proposal moves teacher mentorship grants to MDE to improve coordination and support—without changing funding or program purpose. What’s changing:Move the Teacher Mentorship and Retention of Effective Teachers grant program from PELSB to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Cost: Why this change is proposed: What improves under this proposal: Staffing change: What the grants…

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This change moves the Educators of Color grant back to MDE to improve oversight and reduce red tape—without changing funding or program goals. What’s changing:Move the CUGMEC grant program from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) back to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Cost: Why this is being done: What improves under…

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