Administrators weigh in on education legislation

Minnesota’s Legislature Web site contains more than 190 bills concerning K-12 education. While many of these bills won’t make it past committee discussions, some do. Those proposals have the ability to affect change throughout the state’s hundreds of school districts.

Two local administrators — District 423 Superintendent Daron VanderHeiden and New Century Charter School Director Allen Hoffman — share their thoughts on the merits — or lack there of — concerning some of the most-watched legislation.

Bill: HF3732 or SF3226

Summary: Establish the Office of Early Learning state department for early childhood education oversight.

VanderHeiden: “I don’t know if it would necessarily improve our programs. I would rather have them take those dollars and place them directly in the classroom. In some ways, I think we’re going in the wrong directions. I think we could eliminate a lot more of the red tape.”

Hoffman: “I’m not real crazy about more bureaucracy, and a lot of people are going to see this as another establishment of bureaucracy. In the reality of our budget, it’s probably going to require more efficiencies in other areas.”

However, both administrators said the office could bring more attention to early childhood education, which they said would be beneficial.

For the full story, check out the Tuesday, April 15 print edition of the Leader.

(Lesley Christianson is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader.)
christianson@hutchinsonleader.com