Hopkins board adopts streamlined LAC 2026 platform urging safety levy increase, staffing pathways and funding flexibility

The Hopkins School Board on Tuesday adopted the Legislative Action Coalition's (LAC) 2026 state platform, a compact set of three priorities the district will present to state legislators.

Steve Adams, community co-chair of the LAC, said the platform centers on "safe schools, stable funding, and flexible tools for teaching and learning." The LAC highlighted an ask to increase the Safe Schools levy from its current statutory level ($36 per pupil) toward $100 per pupil and to expand authorized uses to include mental health supports, restorative practices, threat assessment teams, and cybersecurity. The LAC said the request aligns with a broader Association of Metropolitan School Districts effort.

The platform also urges the Legislature to enable flexible investments in staff development, including micro-credentialing pathways for educators to earn targeted competencies, and to modernize long-term facilities maintenance rules to allow spending on contemporary safety and technology needs.

Board members discussed packaging the platform into a concise handout for legislators while maintaining a full, detailed PDF on the district website. Several trustees stressed that 2026 is a policy year in the Legislature's cycle and that packaging policy asks concisely improves legislators' receptivity.

The board moved and approved the LAC platform by voice vote; the LAC will present the platform to legislators and host a legislative breakfast in late January.