We advocate with a focused and united voice for the interests of private and independent schools.

MINNDEPENDENT implements a three-pronged legislative strategy:

  • Advocate for… Inclusion/participation of private/independent school students and staff
  • Protect… programs and services that support private/independent school students and staff
  • Defend against… Legislation that overreaches or infringes on the unique missions of private/independent schools

Legislative Agenda 2026

Support Safe Schools for all Students

It is critical we ensure that every student is safe in our public, nonpublic, and charter schools. That’s why MINNDEPENDENT strongly supports legislation dedicating state resources to all schools under the Safe Schools Revenue Program to ensure our students and staff have the resources they need to safely secure and provide resources to students and families.

The legislation expands Safe Schools Funding for school districts and allows nonpublic schools and charter schools to access funding under the program. Currently, the statute allows for school districts to access funding for the following:

  • Building security, including infrastructure upgrades such as security systems, emergency communications devices, equipment, and building modifications that enhance security;
  • Prevention programs including violence and suicide prevention;
  • School social work, nursing, and substance use disorder counselors to provide early response to problems; and
  • Prevention of and responses to cyberattacks on schools.

Support Guidance Counseling and Mental Health Services

MINNDEPENDENT supports legislation extending counseling and mental health services to students in grades K-6. As the recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General makes clear, mental health issues among young people are growing exponentially, and we know that counseling and mental health services are needed for students in all grades, not just grades 7-12.

HF984 (Clardy) / SF903 (Rarick)

LEARN MORE HERE | SHARE WITH YOUR COMMUNITIES
Click images to download and print.

Nonpublic Education Partners

Nonpublic Education Partners is a coalition of organizations who have come together to advance a unified legislative agenda in support of nonpublic school students.  The State of Minnesota has a longstanding policy that certain financial supports be made available to all students in the education system.  Nonpublic Education Partners exists to ensure those funds are distributed equitably to support nonpublic students.

Nonpublic Education Partners coalition members:

Your Voice at the Capitol

MINNDEPENDENT’s consistent and trusted voice ensures the interests of private and independent schools are at the forefront of the educational dialogue. As the premier advocate for private and independent schools, we promote universal issues to policymakers while maintaining the integrity of the unique missions of our schools. Alongside other partners, MINNDEPENDENT believes families have a fundamental right to educate their kids in schools that best serve their needs.