STATEMENT FROM SENATOR CARLA NELSON FOLLOWING ROCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCEMENT OF SCHOOL CLOSURES, BUDGET CUTS

After the announcement of proposed school budget that includes the closure of three schools and significant changes to offerings in the Rochester Public Schools, Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) released the following statement:

“It’s disappointing to see Rochester Public Schools left making such difficult choices including the closure of three schools and eliminating transportation for the choice options for students. These decisions are a result of student enrollment losses as well as the incredible budget pressures placed on the district by unfunded mandates from the state. During this last legislative session, I supported a legislation that would have increased school budgets without the strict mandates so local schools could invest the dollars in the classroom where they belong.”