Matt Hillmann News Today

State leaders recently said free meals will cost a lot more than initially budgeted — $81 million more over the next two years and $95 million in the two years after that

State leaders recently said free meals will cost a lot more than initially budgeted — $81 million more over the next two years and $95 million in the two years after that

Minnesota’s move this year to offer free breakfast and lunch to all kids regardless of family income is driving huge new demand for meals. But it’s now expected to cost the state about $175 million more than expected over the next four years. Here’s why.

Matt Hillmann, superintendent of Northfield Public Schools, received recognition for his leadership at a national education conference in Pensacola, Florida.

Ohios historically Black colleagues and universities are working to produce a pipeline of diverse teachers. Black students make up nearly 17% of Ohios student population, but fewer than one in 10 teachers in the state is a Black man, according to the Brothers Rise initiative. Lillian Drakeford, interim dean of the College of Education at Central State University, explained dropout rates and academic achievement gaps tend to be lower in schools where students see and have teachers who look like...

Iowa Workforce Development is making millions of dollars available to train and retain employees in the state. Its one way officials are attempting to address Iowas workforce shortage. Workforce Development is making $3.5 million in grants available to companies that want to create or expand apprenticeship programs, effectively giving employees on-the-job training while creating a pipeline to help solve the shortage of qualified employees for skilled jobs. ...

Alabama is working to offer incentives to adult learners to reengage with their education if they had to leave college before graduating. The All in Alabama initiative and Senate Bill 175 aim to break down barriers, specifically to help adults who started college, to return and complete their degrees. Jim Purcell, executive director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, said he is optimistic helping more people return to school will pay off, not just for the individuals but for the st...

Following whats described as a "hostile takeover" by right-wing conservatives, at the progressive New College of Florida, students and prospective graduates are protesting daily. The latest comes as students held an alternate commencement on Thursday evening - rather than listen to the administrations choice of former Trump adviser Dr. Scott Atlas, scheduled to speak at Fridays commencement. ...

Many Minnesota school districts say they have been walking a financial tightrope, but leaders appear to be encouraged by the new education funding plan for K-12 schools. With a record surplus in hand, the Legislature has sent the governor a package boosting per-pupil funding by 4%, and 2% over the next two budget years, and then, ties it to inflation in subsequent years. Matt Hillmann, superintendent of Northfield Public Schools, noted they will not be able to restore recent budget cuts, but s...

Roughly 40 superintendents from throughout southeast Minnesota attended the education forum in Kasson.