State Senator Rich Draheim has introduced a bill into the senate that would funnel more money to school districts in the name of providing
more school safety officers.
Draheim said it has been brought to his attention that when school districts are faced with having to make cuts to their budgets, quite often one of the first things to go is the school safety officer. He said that for many schools, the loss of a school safety officer could be disruptive, and he believes that if more money is to be provided to school districts, safety in schools should be a top priority.
He went on to say that he is troubled by some of the rhetoric surrounding the teachers strike in Minneapolis. The disagreement between Minneapolis Public Schools and the educators is, of course, centered around money. Educators are asking for higher wages, smaller class sizes, and more mental health care in the schools. The Minneapolis Public School District has responded that there is no money to give in the face of declining enrollment, which means less funding from the state.
However, Draheim said, to infer that the state is not properly funding education is a misnomer. He pointed out that, between federal, state, and local funding, on average, Minnesota public schools, received $12,380 per pupil in 2016. The funding from the state, he said has increased about 3% every year since then, and in fact, with the addition of funding from Covid relief money, schools are receiving, on average, $17,034 per pupil this year.
Of that money, $6,705 is provided by the state.
He said he is troubled that even with increased funding every year, some schools still can’t offer a safe environment or reach every student.
“There are parts of our state that are not achieving 50% graduation rate. So, a lot of violence. Just the safety fact. I don’t know if I could send my kids to every school in the state. We need to make sure that there are options for everybody, and that’s what we’re trying to work on.”
Draheim said, it is because certain school districts are unable to achieve decent graduation rates or provide basic security for their students, that he is also supporting a bill that would expand open enrollment in the state.
“If there is a better option for your kid where you can get a better result,” he said, “that’s investing in our future. So, I am all in favor of that.”
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with State Senator Rich Draheim can be heard here
Child touts United Way for Ukrainian refugees
United Way Worldwide has established a relief fund in response to the urgent and ever-growing humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in the
wake of Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. The United Way Worldwide United for Ukraine Fund will provide immediate assistance in several different forms. Elizabeth Child, the Executive Director of the Rice County Area United Way said this is a fund that is administered by the international leadership of the United Way, who are the best people to ascertain the best use of the donations.
“This is not a local fund.” she said, “but since we are part of a vetted global network, and we support humanitarian efforts, we want to help”
More than 2.5 million people have fled Ukraine since the fighting began, and that number is expected to grow to 4 million before the conflict is over. The immediate neighboring countries, Poland, Romania and Hungary, are expected to see the biggest influx of displaced persons.
The Unted Way affiliates in those countries, along with the Good Initiatives Foundation in Poland are working with local partners to determine the needs on the ground and to address the immediate and longer-term relief needed for those made vulnerable by the fighting.
For now, donations will go to cover transportation, shelter, food and medicine, critical childcare supplies, hygiene kits and more.
Child said donations made through the Rice County Area United Way will not be subject to fees for donations to the fund.
“We believe in supporting humanitarian efforts wherever there is need,” she said. “Giving through United Way’s worldwide network ensures that a donation will reach those in need directly.”
Those who would like to contribute to the United for Ukraine Fund may donate at ricecountyareaunitedway.org, or through the national United Way website at unitedway.org.
Rice County Law Enforcement prepares for St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is on Thursday, and Rice County Law Enforcement will be increasing its presence on what is traditionally one of the busiest
drinking nights of the year.
Rice County Sheriff Jesse Thomas said, while there is nothing wrong with celebrating the day, it is important to keep everyone’s safety in mind, and that especially means exercising good judgement on the roads.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, alcohol and drug impairment is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors seen on Minnesota roads. Since 2016, there have been 397 drunk driving-related traffic deaths in Minnesota. Alcohol-related crashes not only take lives, but they can also change them forever. An average of 384 life-changing injuries were caused by alcohol-related crashes in that same period.
“We understand people are looking for a reason to celebrate, and we want our community members to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day,” said Sheriff Thomas, “but we also want to impress upon everyone the importance of safe driving. If you’ve been drinking, make the right choice to find a sober driver to get you, and your friends, home safely.”
The statement strongly encourages people to plan for a sober ride by designating a sober driver, using public transportation, a cab or an app-based ride service, or by staying at the location of the party.
Also, if you encounter a drunk driver, or know someone who is impaired that is driving, call 911. Please be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior when calling.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
