Rep. Kresha Calls Out MDE for Failing to Distribute $24 Million in School Security and Cybersecurity Grants
St. Paul, MN — Rep. Ron Kresha, Education Finance Chair, is criticizing the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) for failing to distribute millions in critical school safety funding that was appropriated more than two years ago.
In 2023, the Legislature approved $24.3 million for facility and cybersecurity grants, along with $100,000 for MDE to administer the program. As of today, none of that funding has been awarded to schools. The only communication MDE has provided was a brief bullet point in a post-2023 session update and a mention in an FAQ document about the application process released in July 2025.
“This money was intended to keep students safe and strengthen cybersecurity in our schools,” said Rep. Kresha. “Instead, MDE has sat on $24 million for more than two years while our schools face real security needs. Parents expect accountability and students deserve safe learning environments. This is unacceptable, and the funds should be dispersed for their intended use.”
Rep. Kresha emphasized that these funds were meant to provide schools with immediate support for facility upgrades and cybersecurity protections. Withholding the money has left schools across the state vulnerable and undermines the Legislature’s intent.