American Rescue Plan resources should be an accelerator to address local, long-standing K-12 gaps

5 / 27 / 21

Schools are accessing historic investment through the American Rescue Plan. These funds are critical, but it’s not enough to think about them as a tool toward academic recovery. We must think of them as an accelerator to address the long-standing opportunity gaps that exist in our community.

It’s also paramount—and fair—that families and the broader community have meaningful voice in defining the strategic priorities these resources will be allocated against, and insight into how the funds are allocated equitably and whether they result in improved student outcomes.

Today we were proud to be among a coalition of advocacy and community organizations weighing in on proposed investments for the federal stimulus package, including $132 million in support for K-12 education in Minnesota.

Watch our community press conference.

And read our May letter to Commissioner Mueller and Governor Tim Walz encouraging the Minnesota Department of Education to set clear priorities and commit to community engagement to inform ARP investments and accountability.