HF63 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
School board membership requirements modified, and school board membership expanded to include student members.
Related bill: SF197
AI Generated Summary
This legislative bill from the Minnesota Legislature modifies the laws related to the makeup and responsibilities of school boards in independent school districts. The main changes proposed in the bill include:
Including student members on school boards: School districts must establish a process to select two high school students (grades 9-12) to serve as non-voting members on their school boards. These students must be residents of the district and currently enrolled in the district. They will have the right to attend meetings, introduce agenda items, participate in discussions, and their input will be encouraged especially from diverse backgrounds.
Revision of board member eligibility: The bill reinforces that convicted sex offenders registered under specific statutes are ineligible to become school board members.
Adjustments to the number of board members: School boards will have the authority to propose changes to the number of elected directors through elections, and these proposals can either increase or decrease the number of members based on majority voter approval.
Requirements and vacancies: Board member terms are set to commence in January following their election with a stipulation of four-year terms. Vacancies occurring for various reasons, including resignation or inability to serve due to illness or absence, will be filled by the remaining school board members until the next election.
Training and duties: All school board members, including student members, must receive training in school finance and management. Their key responsibilities include supervising and managing school operations, adopting necessary regulations, and maintaining accountability through public proceedings.
Compensation and elections: The compensation for clerks, treasurers, superintendents, and possibly other board members, including students, will be determined by the board itself. In election years, some positions may be adjusted to maintain staggered election cycles for board continuity.
Overall, this bill aims to increase student involvement in school board activities, ensure clear guidelines for member eligibility and training, and provide mechanisms for adjusting board composition to meet the community’s needs.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 09, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Education Policy |
| February 12, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Authors added | |
| February 18, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"A new subsection allowing for the inclusion of student members."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill modifies school board membership requirements under section 123B.09.",
"modified": [
"Adjusts terms and conditions for school board members."
]
},
"citation": "123B.09"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Section 243.166 is referenced to determine sex offender ineligibility for school board candidacy.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies that a sex offender registered under section 243.166 is ineligible for school board membership."
]
},
"citation": "243.166"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill refers to section 127A.19 for training requirements for school board members.",
"modified": [
"Ensures training in school finance and management aligns with section 127A.19."
]
},
"citation": "127A.19"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Guidelines for transportation reimbursement for board members under section 471.665.",
"modified": [
"Specifies transportation reimbursement according to section 471.665."
]
},
"citation": "471.665"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Prohibits compensation or benefits based on group insurance incentives under section 471.6161.",
"modified": [
"Outlines restrictions on receiving compensation linked to group insurance coverage incentives."
]
},
"citation": "471.6161"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References a refund under section 123B.75, subdivision 10, as an allowable compensation exception.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies exceptions for receiving refunds under certain insurance plans."
]
},
"citation": "123B.75"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Publishing proceedings must comply with section 331A.01, subdivision 10.",
"modified": [
"Specifies conditions for publishing summaries of board proceedings."
]
},
"citation": "331A.01"
}
]