Home > News & Events > 2009 News > 2004-2008 News > 2006 News	Print View

Dane Smith, Star Tribune

The governor touts a proposal to require that 70 percent of school spending go to classrooms. Critics say schools need more funding.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty claims in his latest TV ad to be the only gubernatorial candidate who will fight for classroom spending formulas and accountability in public schools, prompting his opponents to accuse him of covering up budget cuts with gimmicky reforms.
DFLers, teachers and many school district officials have been at odds with the Republican governor over funding levels and policy moves such as increased testing and merit pay for teachers.

In the new ad, which began running on the first day of school for many and on which he may spend up to $200,000, Pawlenty says: "Let's increase funding for our schools, but let's also hold them accountable for better results."

In the rest of the 60-second spot, Pawlenty touts a proposal, which has failed to advance in two legislative sessions, to require all school districts to spend at least 70 percent of their funding in the classroom.

In one scene, Pawlenty stands by an office door labeled "Assistant to the Assistant Deputy Vice Administrator" and says "Not here" to spending.

Critics of the proposal say there is little or no evidence of a link between low administrative spending and student performance. Others say it's a political tactic used by Republicans in several states to pit administrators against teachers.

"Seventy percent of not enough funding is still not enough funding," said Dave Foster, chairman of Alliance for a Better Minnesota, a labor-backed political action committee formed specifically to defeat Pawlenty. "All this is a political ploy straight from the Republican playbook."

Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung offered no evidence of a correlation between student performance and low administrative spending. But the concept enjoys "widespread support" among voters, he said, and 67 of the state's 343 districts, including Minneapolis, already meet or exceed the 70 percent threshold.

McClung emphasized that the 70 percent standard is only one of many efforts by Pawlenty to boost student achievement. He also has pushed through Q Comp, a program that allows schools to pay more to their best teachers, McClung said, as well as requiring more classes in math and science for graduation.

DFL gubernatorial endorsee Mike Hatch, who does not support the 70 percent proposal, said mandatory administrative cost formulas in other industries tend to be circumvented and seldom work out.

If he is elected governor, Hatch said, state Education Department officials would evaluate districts and help them with efficiency measures.

Dane Smith • 651-292-0164 • rdsmith@startribune.com

http://www.startribune.com/587/story/657689.html