Duluth Schools Discuss Legislative Priorities with Local Representatives

Funding for special education and school safety top the district's agenda for the upcoming legislative session.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:31am

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The Duluth School Board and administrators met with local legislators to discuss the district's legislative priorities for the coming year, focusing heavily on increased funding for special education and school safety concerns. The district's agenda also included policy priorities like broadening pathways for educator licensing and easing requirements for reserve teachers, as well as continued support for the Duluth Promise initiative to build career pathways.

Why it matters

As the Duluth School District faces budget constraints and increasing student needs, securing adequate funding for special education and school safety has become a top priority. The district is seeking legislative support to address these critical areas and ensure students receive a quality education.

The details

The meeting included Rep. Pete Johnson, Sen. Grant Hauschild, Sen. Jen McEwen, and Rep. Liish Kozlowski, who discussed the district's four main legislative priorities: policy priorities, continued support for the Duluth Promise initiative, and increased funding for special education, mental health support, transportation, technology, infrastructure, and safety. The district suggested expanding the requirements around long-term facilities maintenance funding to include security updates as a way to address safety needs.

  • The meeting took place during the Duluth School Board's scheduled work session on Tuesday, January 31, 2026.

The players

John Magas

Duluth Schools superintendent.

Pete Johnson

Local state representative.

Grant Hauschild

Local state senator.

Jen McEwen

Local state senator.

Liish Kozlowski

Local state representative.

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What they’re saying

“We appreciate the great, great partnership we've had with each of you, individually and collectively, thinking about the legislative work that we've done together over the years.”

— John Magas, Duluth Schools superintendent

“I think it's really important that we not miss what could potentially be a very important conversation around those issues. Both from a policy standpoint, and even with limited funding ... I anticipate the possibility of funding in that theme, at least being talked about.”

— Grant Hauschild, State senator

“It's absurd that we are put in that situation all of the time. We have so much wealth in our state. We have so much wealth in this country. We should absolutely never be talking about needing to cut music programs or cut staff because we can't pay for basic quality education.”

— Jen McEwen, State senator

What’s next

The Duluth School Board and administrators will continue to work with local legislators to advocate for their legislative priorities, particularly around securing increased funding for special education and school safety measures.

The takeaway

The Duluth School District's focus on securing adequate funding for special education and school safety highlights the ongoing challenges faced by many school districts in ensuring students receive a quality education despite budget constraints. The district's collaborative approach with local legislators demonstrates their commitment to finding solutions to these critical issues.