Gov. Walz Shares Concerns Over Federal Education Department Layoffs

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was in Fridley Wednesday to talk about potential cuts to the U.S. Department of Education.

The Education Department plans to lay off more than 1,300 employees, nearly cutting its staff in half.  Walz spoke with media at Hayes Elementary on how these cuts could impact local schools.

Walz, along with Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz, read a book to second graders at Hayes Elementary School in Fridley. Both are former teachers. In a news conference afterwards, Walz said the students’ eagerness to learn is exactly what’s at risk.

“We will continue to do what we can to make sure schools in that classroom right in there. You saw bright, eager faces having the resources to be able to do what these educators do best: give every child an opportunity,” Walz said.

Tim and Gwen Walz read the book “We Don’t Eat Our Classmates” to a class of Fridley second graders.

Minnesota gets about 10 percent of its school funding from the federal government. If necessary, Walz said Minnesota will do what it can to make up for potential funding gaps– but it can’t do everything.

Minnesota Education Commissioner Willie Jett, a native of Brooklyn Park and a former local teacher, said there are a lot of unknowns. That instability, Jett said, will affect kids.

“We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure every student, regardless of their background or their circumstances, has access to the world-class education that they deserve,” Jett said.

Fridley Superintendent Brenda Lewis shares federal funding data from her district. Lewis is concerned how these cuts would affect her district.

Local Effects

Fridley Superintendent Brenda Lewis told reporters that her diverse district receives nearly $746,856 in federal title funding. That includes funding for education specialists, English learners and teacher support.

In Fridley, 80 percent of its students are students of color, with 80 percent of families also facing poverty in the district.

Lewis said her district also receives $1,320,962 for special education programs. She said the programs that those dollars fund are mandated. She worries if funds are cut, the district will have to perform layoffs, which will affect students.

Other local school districts were not able to share their numbers by the time this story was published. CCX will update the copy if that data becomes available.

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