Advocating for Greater Minnesota Schools

MREA members support expanding educational opportunities and closing achievement gaps in Minnesota in the following ways. MREA’s membership includes over 235 school districts, 30 education districts, special education and service cooperatives and additional associate members.

Public Education Revenue to Support Educator Recruitment & Retention

Minnesota’s Public Schools are struggling to attract and retain staff. Funding a system of schools is a primary duty of the legislature and Governor. MREA is calling on state officials to improve educator compensation, making the profession more attractive, through several legislative actions.

2025 Legislative Platform

We know that schools are stronger when they come together. We’ve seen the results.

Download 2025 Platform

2025 Key Actions Needed

Teacher Compensation

  • Establish a Teacher Compensation Adjustment Revenue program aimed at improving teacher salaries.
  • Improve TRA by either lowering the combination of the normal retirement age and total years of service OR minimizing the reduction in retirement benefits paid before normal retirement age.
  • Make QComp an open and standing appropriation so all schools qualify.
  • Amending the Grow Your Own application requirements so more rural districts can qualify.
  • Providing direct underwriting to state colleges for teacher preparation programs so those credits are free to undergraduates seeking teaching degrees.

Fund What Has Been Mandated

  • Increase the Basic Formula allowance by “3&3” over the forecast base for FY 26-27
  • Shore up Compensatory Aid as Direct Certification is used solely to calculate this revenue stream
  • On-going state funding for Unemployment Insurance
  • Additional funding for the Read Act

Close Funding Gaps

  • Increase the LTFM allowance and allow roofs, pavements and HVAC projects in Health & Safety
  • Increase Basic Formula & Local Optional Revenues to address inflationary pressures
  • Restore Seasonal & Recreational Property to the RMV tax base, eliminating it from the state’s Commercial/Industrial levy.
  • Ensure minimum revenues for small schools & cooperatives for meaningful revenue generation across all public-school entities.
  • Expand VPK to all 4-year-olds qualifying for free and reduced-price meals

Policy Flexibility, Not Mandates

  • Create flexible pathways to licensure, in addition to broader licensure categories
  • Oppose unfunded mandates and “one-size-fits-all” education policy
  • Oppose additional course requirements for graduation

90% of members join – and stay – because of MREA’s ability to provide information about what’s happening at the Legislature and how it affects the district.