Who We Are
Schools Advocating for Fair Funding (SAFF) is an association of Minnesota school districts from around the state working together to ensure all students receive a high-quality education no matter their zip code.
- SAFF is an association of 46 school districts throughout the state of Minnesota.
- Our member school districts serve approximately 225,000 children, about one-third of Minnesota’s K-12 public school students.
- SAFF member districts tend to receive the minimum in state aid based on their student population.
- SAFF member districts have comparatively lower tax bases due to the lack high concentrations of commercial/industrial and higher-value residential property, leaving them at a disadvantage when it comes to seeking additional funding from property taxpayers.
- The combination of lower-than-average state funding and less school levy revenue creates educational opportunity gaps for students in SAFF school districts.
What We Do
- Maintain a constant presence at the Minnesota State Capitol lobbying on issues that impact SAFF districts.
- Educate, engage, and empower a growing network of education advocates, including legislators, superintendents, school board members, school staff, parents, community members, and business leaders.
- Provide understandable information and resources to support communication on issues that impact SAFF districts through the website and weekly legislative updates.
- Support professional development and networking with colleagues at SAFF meetings and events
- Provide a community outreach liaison who stands ready to support community engagement in your district and with the legislature.
SAFF's Mission
All public school children should have equal access to high-quality education regardless of where they live in Minnesota.
SAFF Priorities
- Equal access to a high-quality education for all students regardless of where they live in Minnesota.
- Legislation that ensures an equitable distribution of school resources.
- A property tax system that is fair and provides equal access for school levy revenue for low-property wealth school districts and their taxpayers.
- Elected officials held accountable for adequate and equitable funding and policy, so all students meet state and federal academic standards and reach their highest potential.
Our success depends on school districts working together to create a political mass.
46
school districts throughout Minnesota are SAFF members
225,000
children, about one-third of Minnesota’s K-12 public school students, are served