Education Finance Reform Task ForceAccountability Programs :

Governor Tim Pawlenty first announced his intention to form a task force to examine K-12 finances shortly after he was elected governor.  On July 14, 2003, the Governor named 20 people that served as members.

The task force has been charged with putting forth recommendations to reform Minnesota's K-12 finance system and has been given three main issues to focus on:

1. Does Minnesota's current education finance system ensure resources are distributed equitably to students throughout the state and does Minnesota appropriately adjust state revenue allocations for legitimate cost differences between districts including additional costs for "at risk" students?

2. Is Minnesota's education system understandable to the public and appropriately linked to accountability for student performance?

3. Does Minnesota have a data system that enables all interests in the system, including the public, to have the same information examining school finance in Minnesota?

The Governor requested a proprosal be presented to the legislature in February 2004.