This article is a feature from the 2024-25 Minnetonka Public Schools Annual Report.

When Minnetonka Public Schools faced the challenge of advocating for adequate state funding during a difficult budget cycle, District leadership knew that the most powerful voices would come from the community.

In November 2024, the Community Action for Student Education (CASE) Committee, a committee that has seen a handful of participants over the past few years, saw new life. With District administrators, parents, teachers, students and community members, the committee came together, aligned with a shared commitment to securing the resources our schools need to thrive.

“We knew the timing was critical,” said Superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools, David Law. “School districts across the metro area were being forced to cut more than $150 million for the 2025-26 school year, with even deeper reductions projected in subsequent years if state funding failed to keep pace with inflation.”

Minnetonka Schools had reduced $8 million over two school years, and without legislative action in the near future, the District faced a shortfall in the years ahead, as well.

“For years, state spending on public education has been declining as a share of its overall budget. In the past, Minnetonka relied on robust enrollment growth to help us weather the slowly shrinking slice of funding from the State of Minnesota, which hasn’t kept up with inflation. Until recently, we haven’t had to cut our District budget in a way that impacted staff positions. Cutting, unfortunately, has repercussions on the classroom,” said Dan Olson, School Board Treasurer. “While growth in enrollment is still healthy, it’s leveled off somewhat, and on its own, it is no longer enough to buffer the District from financial challenges. Therefore, it’s critical that District families reach out to their representatives and emphasize that the State needs to increase its investment in public education to support our students, teachers and programming.”

Committee Unifies for Action
From November 2024 through May 2025, CASE Committee members demonstrated remarkable dedication to the cause. Superintendent Law coordinated weekly communications, keeping members informed about legislative developments and providing strategic guidance for their advocacy efforts. Committee members responded with sustained outreach to local legislators, sending personalized messages, attending committee hearings, and having in-person meetings with lawmakers to emphasize how funding cuts would directly impact their children’s educational programs and opportunities.

The committee’s efforts gained momentum throughout the legislative session. In March, two dozen CASE and community members attended a town hall with Senator Steve Cwodzinski, Senator Julia Coleman, Senator Ann Johnson Stewart and Representative Andrew Myers. All four legislators expressed interest in Minnetonka’s Local Optional Revenue requests—a testament to the committee’s effective grassroots advocacy.

A visit to the State Capitol in March by the CASE committee marked a pivotal moment in the campaign. CASE members joined the Association of Metropolitan School Districts’ “Day at the Capitol,” meeting directly with legislators to share personal stories about how funding challenges affected their families and students. These face-to-face conversations proved invaluable, with legislators later referencing the impact of hearing directly from parents and students.

Reflecting on the Impact of Efforts
The committee’s persistence yielded tangible results. Two legislators introduced bills to increase Local Optional Revenue, with one specifically noting the bipartisan support demonstrated by CASE member communications. Minnetonka Schools’ Executive Director of Finance and Operations Paul Bourgeois testified before legislative committees, supported by the groundswell of community advocacy the CASE Committee had generated.

As the session progressed toward its adjournment on May 19, the House Education Finance Committee’s omnibus bill included provisions to increase Local Optional Revenue—rebranded as Basic Supplemental Revenue—which would have generated an estimated additional $500,000 in ongoing revenue for Minnetonka. Though this measure was voted down by lawmakers in the final negotiations in the session, the discussion to make these changes to support public education went farther than it ever had in years past. This sets the foundation for an even stronger position for CASE’s advocacy efforts moving forward to influence meaningful change to support schools through collaborative and coordinated engagement with lawmakers.

The CASE Committee’s work exemplifies the power of engaged citizenship.

“Parents, community members, and District stakeholders proved that when we speak with one voice about the importance of public education, legislators listen and respond,” said Sally Browne, Director on the Minnetonka School Board.

The CASE committee’s dedication ensures that Minnetonka’s needs remain visible and were prioritized throughout a challenging legislative session, laying the groundwork for continued advocacy in support of our students and teachers.

Ways to Get Connected
The CASE committee remains active and will kick off its 2025-26 efforts soon. From calling and writing state legislators in support of public education to visiting the State Capitol and more, there are many ways for community members to participate in championing school funding. To learn more about CASE and to get involved, visit minnetonkaschools.org/CASE