As the Minnesota legislative session draws to a close, the debate over school safety funding is reaching a critical point.
It is vital that safety measures protect every student, yet current discussions often overlook those in nonpublic schools.
No child’s safety should be determined by the type of school they attend.
Click the image on the left to contact your legislators today. Tell your legislators to ensure all Minnesota students and educators — public and nonpublic alike — have the resources they need to remain safe and secure.
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
Advocacy Update – April 17, 2026
MINNDEPENDENT recently submitted testimony supporting HF3493-DE1 (school safety) and opposing proposals found in Governor Walz’s proposed K12 education budget.
Please click the letters below to learn more.
Update on MINNDEPENDENT’s advocacy and legislative efforts (4/2/2026)
Following last year’s successful effort to protect nonpublic pupil aids and nonpublic pupil transportation services, MINNDEPENDENT and our collaborative partners continue to monitor and engage on key legislative priorities and issues, including:
SUPPORT: HF3493
School safety and security bill, includes nonpublic schools. This proposed bill would be similar to nonpublic pupil aids
In addition, Governor Walz recently released his supplemental budget,
which includes a concerning proposal on page four:
“The Governor recommends that, if the state of Minnesota opts into a federal educational voucher program, nonpublic pupil aid and nonpublic transportation aid would be repealed. Savings from the repeal of these two aid programs would be redirected to the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. This recommendation is budget neutral.”
MINNDEPENDENT is very concerned by this development but is working alongside our nonpublic school partners to watch this closely and communicate that this proposal is harmful to students and families.
Pictured L to R – Tim Benz, MINNDEPENDENT, Jay Schutte, King of Kings Lutheran, Dr. Jules Nolan, Phoenix School Counseling, Dr. Dan Ahlstrom, Smith Jewish Academy, Maggie Dawson, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Ann Weiss, MAIS
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.