From: Joe Atkins [mailto:rep.joe.atkins@house.

mn]
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 10:18 AM
To: Idstrom, Tom
Subject: Re: Yes to 3% Increase
Thanks Tom. I support a 3.5% increase, with local school boards deciding how to best spend
it.
Joe
>>> "Idstrom, Tom" <Tom.Idstrom@district196.org> 3/17/2015 9:17 AM >>>

Dear Rep. Atkins,

This is an important session for school funding and the stability of our school
districts in Minnesota. Please support the following measures on behalf of our
current and future students:
1) Provide financial stability for our schools. Please increase the
spending target of at least $625 million for E-12 (This would allow for a
3 percent increase to the formula per year.)
This increase will provide stable funding and prevent future budget
cuts and the need for local levy referendums for our school districts
operating budget.
2) Authorize funding to address school space, safety and learning technology
needs.
a. Increase the lease levy and give school districts greater authority to
levy for needed space,
b. Increase the safe schools levy
c. Establish a learning technology levy to fund ongoing costs.
3) Give school boards greater control in local policy and funding decisions, and
provide funding for, or reduce unfunded and unnecessary mandates.
Respectfully,
Tom Idstrom, principal
Rosemount Elementary School
3155 143rd Street West
Rosemount, MN 55068
Tom Idstrom, Principal
Rosemount Elementary School