Education Policy

This bill modifies the process for filling vacancies on Minnesota school boards by prioritizing the appointment of the candidate who received the most votes in the last election. If that top-voted candidate declines the seat, the board can appoint someone else, but this appointment can be overturned if at least five percent of eligible voters sign a petition within 30 days. The legislation also sets specific timelines for holding special elections, requiring them to occur by the next November unless the vacancy happens less than 90 days before the term ends. Additionally, it mandates a special election for vacancies caused by the removal of a board member, ensuring the public has a chance to vote on the replacement.

This bill allows Minnesota school districts and charter schools to waive specific graduation credit requirements for students enrolled in International Baccalaureate programs. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, eligible students who are on track to complete their IB diploma or career-related program can receive these waivers if the school determines that requiring the credits would prevent them from pursuing their IB studies. The waiver is granted upon parental application and can be revoked if a student is not on track by the start of grade 12, at which point they must complete the originally required credits.

This bill establishes the Minnesota Imagination Library program to provide free age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five who reside in the state. The initiative will be managed through a partnership with the Dollywood Foundation, where the state covers 50 percent of the book and mailing costs while local community partners provide the remaining 50 percent. A statewide nonprofit organization will be selected to coordinate operations and help local affiliates reach enrollment goals for at least half of eligible children by fiscal year 2029. Additionally, the Department of Education must submit annual reports on enrollment numbers and the program's impact on kindergarten readiness data.

This bill requires newly elected school board members in Minnesota to complete specific training on school finance and management within 180 days of taking office. The training program must be developed in consultation with the Minnesota School Boards Association and higher education representatives, and it must align with existing state guidelines. If a board member fails to finish the training by the deadline, they are prohibited from serving as an officer until they have completed the course. The changes become effective on July 1, 2026.

This bill prohibits the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board from charging a processing fee to applicants seeking a lifetime substitute teaching license in Minnesota. While other teaching license applicants must still pay a $57 fee, this specific exemption applies only to those applying for qualified short-call or long-call substitute positions. The legislation allows the board to continue requiring a separate background study fee for these applicants but removes the initial application charge. If passed, the change will take effect on July 1, 2026.