Strengthening Rural Education for Minnesota’s Future
Strong schools are the foundation of strong communities, especially in rural Minnesota. In towns across our district and greater Minnesota, schools are more than classrooms. They are community centers, employers, and a source of pride. Investing in rural education is one of the most direct ways to keep our small towns vibrant.
Rural schools face unique challenges. Recruiting teachers, updating facilities, and expanding course offerings can be difficult when enrollment numbers are small and budgets are tight. Yet rural educators continue to do more with less, finding creative ways to support students and prepare them for the future.
State policy must recognize that rural schools deserve the same opportunities as larger districts. That means supporting broadband access, promoting flexible learning options, and ensuring fair funding formulas that reflect the true cost of serving rural students. It also means connecting education directly to local career paths through partnerships with area businesses and technical colleges.
When students in rural Minnesota see a future for themselves close to home, communities thrive. Education is the bridge that keeps our small towns strong and our workforce growing. By continuing to invest in rural schools, we invest in the future of Minnesota itself.
By Rep. Ron Kresha
District 10A and Chair of House Education Finance Committee