State Budget Plan Proposes Cuts to Teacher Pay Program, Special Education

Issue #206

25 Feb

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

⛅ Marshall, MN Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 49

🗞️ DNR Reviewing Fisheries Plans for 151 Minnesota Lakes

🗞️ State Budget Plan Proposes Cuts to Teacher Pay Program, Special Education

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📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

DNR Reviewing Fisheries Plans for 151 Minnesota Lakes

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced that fisheries management plans for Lake Shaokatan in Lincoln County and Clear Lake in Lyon County will be updated this year.

These lakes are among 151 statewide set for review as part of the DNR’s ongoing management efforts.

Each year, the DNR revises fisheries management plans to establish goals and strategies for maintaining fish populations and habitats.

Public input is a key part of the process, and the agency is seeking feedback throughout March from anglers and residents interested in the future of local fisheries.

The DNR oversees fisheries in 4,500 lakes across Minnesota, with management plans updated regularly. Larger lakes follow a separate review process.

In addition to Lake Shaokatan and Clear Lake, regional lakes such as Big Stone Lake, Lac qui Parle, and several in Kandiyohi County are also scheduled for updates.

Residents can submit feedback via phone or email to their area fisheries offices before March 31.

The DNR encourages input on fishing experiences, preferred fish species, and habitat concerns, rather than specific management strategies.

A full list of lakes undergoing plan updates, along with contact information for fisheries offices, is available on the DNR’s website at mndnr.gov/lakemanagement.

State Budget Plan Proposes Cuts to Teacher Pay Program, Special Education

Minnesota's latest economic forecast, released in December, projects a $616 million surplus for the 2026-27 biennium but warns of a potential $5 billion budget shortfall by 2028-29. In response, Governor Tim Walz has outlined a budget proposal that includes various cost-saving measures, including reductions in education funding.

A presentation on the governor’s 2025 education budget proposals was given to the House Education Finance Committee on Feb. 11, highlighting potential changes.

Among them is the proposed closure of the Alternative Teacher Compensation program, known as QComp, by fiscal year 2027. Currently, 111 school districts, 71 charter schools, and two education districts participate in the program.

If eliminated, the closure would save an estimated $78.7 million in 2027 and $173.13 million in 2028.

The Marshall Public School District is among those that rely on QComp funding and could experience significant financial impacts if the program is discontinued.

The district receives over $700,000 annually through QComp, which supports teacher pay and incentives.

Additional proposed reductions include scaling back special education transportation reimbursements, which would decrease from 95% of eligible expenses in 2026 to 90% in 2027 and beyond.

This adjustment is expected to save $48.6 million in the 2026-27 fiscal period and $54.86 million in 2028-29.

Another notable change is the proposed elimination of nonpublic pupil aid beginning in fiscal year 2026. This funding supports textbooks, instructional materials, standardized testing, health services, and counseling for nonpublic schools.

If approved, the change would reduce general fund spending by $52.52 million in 2026 and $56.4 million by 2028-29.

As lawmakers work toward a final budget agreement by July 1, school districts remain focused on how these potential cuts could impact operations.

While new funding is unlikely, discussions around mandates and long-term financial strategies for schools are expected to continue.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Wednesday, February 26th

  • 2025 State of the City Address at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) Upper Conference Center starting at 11:30 AM

    • Tickets are $20 for Chamber Members and $25 for Non-Chamber Members

    • Lunch included

Monday, March 3rd

  • Marshall Area Cancer Support Group Meetings at Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall at 6:00 PM

    • For patients, survivors, and caregivers looking for support

Wednesday, March 5th (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jane Nelson Como (507) 829-1143

Friday, March 7th

  • KC/VFW Fish Fry at VFW Post 2980, 116 E Saxon St., Ivanhoe, MN from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    • Serving Beer Battered Cod, French Fries, Vegetable & Dinner Roll

    • Adults $13, Children (age 10 & under) $9

Saturday, March 15th
Friday, March 21st

  • KC/VFW Fish Fry at VFW Post 2980, 116 E Saxon St., Ivanhoe, MN from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    • Serving Beer Battered Cod, French Fries, Vegetable & Dinner Roll

    • Adults $13, Children (age 10 & under) $9

Saturday, March 22nd

  • Spring Fling Pet Event at Animal Health Center in Marshall from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    • FREE Photo Booth: Bring your kids and / or pets for spring themed pictures

    • Free goodie bags for all pets

    • Free juice and cookies for humans

    • …and more!

Saturday, March 29th
Saturday and Sunday, March 29th and 30th

  • 2025 Culligan Water Marshall Home Show at the Red Baron Arena and Expo Center in Marshall

    • Saturday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    • Sunday from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

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