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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sondra Erickson (R)

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RELEASE: House GOP Education Leads Respond to Walz Announcement on Schools

Thursday, July 30, 2020

ST. PAUL - Governor Walz announced today that he will give school districts limited local control to find a balance of in-person, distance, or hybrid learning, within the bounds of the Minnesota Department of Health's requirements of certain safety measures, such as masks and social distancing. House GOP Education Leads Representatives Ron Kresha, R-Little Falls, and Sondra Erickson, R-Princeton, released the following statement regarding the announcement.

"I am glad the Governor agrees our local school officials are the ones who truly know their communities, students, and parents the best, and are in the best position to implement a successful back-to-school plan," said Kresha. "Our public education crisis doesn’t need to be worsened with one-size-fits-all mandates. However, the devil is in the details, and the mandates. I will work with school leaders to make sure they have the tools they need to make this school year successful."

Representative Sondra Erickson urged education leaders to focus on student achievement and measurable results during the upcoming school year.

"I appreciate that Governor Walz recognizes that local decision-making works best, and that local control for the upcoming school year will help every district and charter make the right choices for their students and staff," said Erickson. "In addition, districts and charters understand the needs of their students and will focus on how to ensure achievement for all. I have faith that parents and teachers will work together to recover any losses that may have occurred during distance learning and track the results carefully so every child succeeds to the best of his or her ability."

School districts are expected to announce their local plans in the coming days and weeks.

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