School Money Not Enough

Brainerd and Crosby-Ironton Superintendents Jerry Walseth and Jaime Skjeveland seem less than overwhelmed with the $51-per pupil extra-money proposition passed in the last days of the legislative session. Walseth said the bill will bring just over $300,000 to Brainerd and he will recommend it go to the district reserve fund. Skjeveland said he'll recommend the same for Crosby-Ironton's $50,000. Brainerd Lawmaker John Ward said a bill to be discussed next year will bring in a lot more money. Ward said the 'Second Minnesota Miracle' realigns the funding formula and increases the amount of money spent on public education. Current estimates are that the new bill will cost taxpayers $2.2-Billion per year. Walseth and Skjeveland said they won't be able to take advantage of the additional $51 per pupil transferred from their capitol budgets. Both said they need that money for taking care of school buildings.