New tool helps Minnesotans see support for local schools

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) launched a new online tool to help Minnesotans track how federal education investments support students and schools in their own communities.

The interactive microsite—“Tracking Federal Education Investments in Your Community”—puts useful, easy-to-understand information at Minnesotans’ fingertips. Community members can see how much the federal government invests in their local school district, learn how their tax dollars are used to support learning, and share how federal cuts and uncertainty are impacting local students and classrooms.

“MDE remains committed to ensuring every student, of every background and ability, has access to a world class education,” said Commissioner Willie Jett. “In Minnesota, we believe education is a public good deserving of public investment—and that investing in kids pays off. Minnesotans deserve clear information about how federal investments support the students and schools in their neighborhoods. This tool helps families, educators, and community members see where their tax dollars go.”

MDE developed the tool amid growing concerns about the ongoing federal government shutdown, unpredictable budget negotiations, and reports indicating the U.S. Department of Education has permanently laid off a large portion of its special education and other staff. The microsite includes:

• District-by-district summaries showing how federal investments are used to support students through programs such as special education and school nutrition.

• A story portal where Minnesotans can share how federal cuts and uncertainty are impacting students, classrooms, and communities.

• Commissioner Jett’s letters and statements responding to recent federal education actions and proposals that affect Minnesota schools.

• The “Tracking Federal Education Investments in Your Community” microsite is now live and accessible to the public at https://education.mn.gov/MDE/about/fed/.

Frazee-Vergas Public School District students depend on the stable partnerships that have existed between your school community, the State of Minnesota, and the U.S. Department of Education for decades. 

Across administrations, federal investments facilitated through these partnerships have played an essential role in ensuring every child—of every race, zip code, and ability—has the opportunity to learn and thrive at school.

Now, federal cuts and uncertainty are threatening support for some of Minnesota’s most vulnerable kids, including students with disabilities, students whose families are struggling financially, and students who attend Frazee-Vergas Public School District.