MN
Minnesota Senate Bill SF1650

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF1650

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

School boards authorization to implement four-day school week programs without approval by the commissioner of education

Impact

By empowering school boards to adopt a four-day school week independently, SF1650 significantly alters how educational institutions can structure their operating days. This legislation facilitates a move towards more localized educational decision-making, allowing boards to meet community needs more effectively without the bureaucratic hurdles previously required for commissioner approval. The bill is set to take effect for the 2023-2024 school year, effectively reshaping educational offerings across the state, especially in districts that may benefit from a reduced week due to various logistical or resource-oriented reasons.

Summary

SF1650 is legislation aimed at granting school boards in Minnesota the authority to implement four-day school week programs without the need for approval from the commissioner of education. This bill modifies existing Minnesota Statutes concerning educational structure, specifically targeting sections that govern school year schedules and the flexible learning year programs. The change allows local school boards to determine and administer the four-day schedule, aligning it with their unique needs and circumstances while ensuring they comply with the required instructional hours.

Contention

While some educators and parents may welcome the flexibility this bill provides, there are points of contention regarding how such a shift may affect the quality of education, student performance, and staffing challenges. Critics argue that reducing the school week could lead to adverse outcomes for certain student demographics, particularly those who may rely on structured environments for learning and stability. The effectiveness of this program hinges on how well districts adapt to the new schedule while maintaining curriculum standards and instructional integrity.

Companion Bills

MN HF1242

Similar To School boards authorized to implement four-day school week programs without approval by commissioner of education, and rulemaking required.

Previously Filed As

MN HF1242

School boards authorized to implement four-day school week programs without approval by commissioner of education, and rulemaking required.

MN SF2409

Distance learning days authorization

MN HF2292

Early learning scholarships, Head Start, and early education programs modified; early childhood educator programs provided; reports required; and money appropriated.

MN HF3782

Education; prekindergarten through grade 12 education provisions modified including general education, education excellence, teachers, special education, charter schools, nutrition and libraries, health and safety, and state agencies; and reports required.

MN SF4188

Education instruction hours requirements modification; education credit definition modification

MN HF1269

Prekindergarten through grade 12 provisions modified including general education accountability and transparency, education excellence, American Indian education, charter schools, discipline, teachers, special education, and early learning; and reports required.

MN HF2291

Prekindergarten through grade 12 provisions modified including general education accountability and transparency, education excellence, American Indian education, charter schools, discipline, teachers, special education, and early learning; and reports required.

MN SF2250

Hours of educational instruction modification

MN HF2660

Distance learning days provided.

MN SF2683

Early childhood programs provision

Similar Bills

MN HF302

Firearms and fishing equipment provided annual tax holiday periods for sales and purchases.

MN HF1435

Education innovation provided, innovation zone provisions modified, P-TECH approval process modified, and Education Innovation recodified and reorganized.

MN HF3149

Education innovation provided, innovation zone provisions modified, P-TECH approval process modified, and new chapter of statutes codified.

MN SF738

Innovation zone provisions modification

MN SF579

Lead testing and remediation requirements in schools modification and appropriation

MN HF347

Lead testing and remediation requirements in schools modified, report required, and money appropriated.

MN SF5252

Omnibus Education supplemental appropriations

MN HF2899

Fully funded summer school program created, voluntary integration and inclusion program established, voluntary metro-wide interdistrict integration program established, diverse magnet school program established, minimum pay for teachers required, and money appropriated.