1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to education finance; expanding Minnesota's public education mission 
1.3 	to include a framework to guide future education policy decisions;amending 
1.4 	Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120A.03.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120A.03, is amended to read:
1.7 	120A.03 MISSION STATEMENT AND VISION.
1.8 		Subdivision 1.Mission statement. The mission of public education in Minnesota, 
1.9 	a system for lifelong learning, is to ensure individual academic achievement, an 
1.10 	informed citizenry, and a highly productive work force. This system focuses on the 
1.11 	learner, promotes and values diversity, provides participatory decision making, ensures 
1.12 	accountability, models democratic principles, creates and sustains a climate for change, 
1.13 	provides personalized learning environments, encourages learners to reach their maximum 
1.14 	potential, and integrates and coordinates human services for learners. The public schools 
1.15 	of this state shall serve the needs of the students by cooperating with the students' parents 
1.16 	and legal guardians to develop the students' intellectual capabilities and lifework skills 
1.17 	in a safe and positive environment. It is part of the department's mission that within the 
1.18 	department's resources the commissioner shall endeavor to:
1.19 	(1) prevent the waste or unnecessary spending of public money;
1.20 	(2) use innovative fiscal and human resource practices to manage the state's 
1.21 	resources and operate the department as efficiently as possible;
1.22 	(3) coordinate the department's activities wherever appropriate with the activities 
1.23 	of other governmental agencies;
2.1 	(4) use technology where appropriate to increase agency productivity, improve 
2.2 	customer service, increase public access to information about government, and increase 
2.3 	public participation in the business of government;
2.4 	(5) utilize constructive and cooperative labor-management practices to the extent 
2.5 	otherwise required by chapters 43A and 179A;
2.6 	(6) report to the legislature on the performance of agency operations and the 
2.7 	accomplishment of agency goals in the agency's biennial budget according to section 
2.8 	16A.10, subdivision 1; and 
2.9 	(7) recommend to the legislature appropriate changes in law necessary to carry out 
2.10 	the mission and improve the performance of the department.
2.11 		Subd. 2.World-class schools vision statement. To improve the mission of public 
2.12 	education in Minnesota, the legislature should pursue policies and school finance reforms 
2.13 	based on the following goals:
2.14 	(1) in the area of early childhood education, ensure that investment in educational 
2.15 	success starts early;
2.16 	(2) in the area of educator quality, ensure that excellent teachers and principals are 
2.17 	recruited, prepared, supported, and retained; 
2.18 	(3) in the area of academic rigor, ensure all programs and initiatives are rigorous and 
2.19 	lead to higher education; 
2.20 	(4) in the area of family and community involvement, ensure families and 
2.21 	communities are full education partners;
2.22 	(5) ensure that all cultures are included and supported, and connections are made 
2.23 	across local and global cultural divides;
2.24 	(6) in the area of data and research, ensure that educators use data and research to 
2.25 	improve teaching and learning on a daily basis;
2.26 	(7) ensure schools receive predictable and sufficient funding to produce world class 
2.27 	performance;
2.28 	(8) ensure school schedules and calendars help all students reach high standards;
2.29 	(9) in the area of special education, ensure services for students with disabilities are 
2.30 	proactive, effective, efficient, and adequately funded; and
2.31 	(10) in the area of health and wellness, encourage parents and other stakeholders to 
2.32 	ensure that students come to school physically and mentally ready to learn.