Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth has unveiled a comprehensive education platform as part of her gubernatorial bid, proposing a shift toward merit-based teacher compensation, alterations to the state's universal school lunch initiative, and increased flexibility for local school districts seeking relief from state mandates.
Demuth, the Republican nominee for governor, presented the policy blueprint at a Capitol press conference on Thursday alongside her lieutenant governor running mate, Ryan Wilson. The announcement comes as the GOP ticket prepares to face Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the November general election.
The policy rollout arrives amid ongoing concerns regarding the academic recovery of Minnesota public school students following the COVID-19 pandemic. State data indicates that academic achievement has largely plateaued, with less than half of public school students meeting grade-level benchmarks in math and reading last year, and numerous districts still falling short of their pre-pandemic testing levels.
Demuth positioned her platform as an urgent return to core educational priorities, emphasizing that state leadership must refocus classroom instruction on fundamental competencies. She argued that state government should prioritize basic competencies while reducing regulatory burdens placed on local educational leaders.
To support her vision, the House speaker pointed to her ten years of service on a local school board prior to her legislative career. She cited this local governance background as vital preparation for addressing the current lag in statewide student achievement and guiding public education back on course.
Central to Demuth's plan is the introduction of a "pay for performance" framework for classroom educators. Under this proposed system, educators would receive additional compensation tied to excellence, operating under Demuth's stated principle that higher-performing instructors merit higher earnings.
During the press conference, Demuth did not specify the exact measurements or evaluation criteria that her administration would establish to determine which teachers qualify for merit pay bonuses. In various other jurisdictions across the country, performance compensation models frequently evaluate teachers based on classroom observation scores, standardized student test results, or a combination of both metrics.
The teacher compensation proposal introduces a sharp contrast in the gubernatorial contest, as the state's primary teachers union, Education Minnesota, has formally endorsed Klobuchar in the race.
Demuth also addressed the state's universal free school meals policy, which was enacted into law in 2023 under full Democratic-Farmer-Labor control of state government. Demuth stated that the program should be modified so that children from affluent households with six- or seven-figure annual incomes are no longer eligible for taxpayer-funded meals.
In addition to meal program adjustments, the GOP platform seeks to grant school districts the ability to opt out of certain state-imposed requirements. Demuth specifically highlighted state mandates such as paid family leave regulations as rules that local districts should have the discretion to bypass.
On the issue of classroom technology and student attention, Demuth offered a distinct approach from her opponent. While Klobuchar has called for direct bans on mobile phones in classrooms alongside efforts to lower student screen time, Demuth said her administration would focus on encouraging school districts to establish their own screen-time limitations rather than implementing a uniform statewide ban.
Demuth's agenda further calls for the state to opt into additional federal education initiatives, specifically highlighting a $1,700 tax credit established under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The federal provision allows taxpayers who contribute to scholarship-granting organizations to claim the credit, which non-profit groups can then distribute as scholarships for students attending public or private educational programs.
The tax credit provision remains controversial within the state, as the Minnesota Department of Education has cautioned that such programs operate as an indirect voucher mechanism that predominantly benefits wealthier residents rather than closing achievement gaps for underserved students.
Demuth additionally pledged to review and eliminate what she characterized as "woke" academic standards introduced under Gov. Tim Walz's administration. Demuth explained that her team would conduct an audit of existing educational mandates and repeal any requirements deemed to distract classrooms from core instruction in reading, science, and mathematics.
As part of that curriculum focus, Demuth proposed restructuring the state’s teacher licensing board. Her campaign asserted that the regulatory panel must focus its efforts on preparing future workers for the economy rather than advancing progressive political concepts in the classroom.
Finally, Demuth emphasized school safety as a cornerstone of her educational platform, promising that state safety aid would be made accessible to public, charter, and private schools alike. That approach contrasts with earlier budget proposals from Walz, who had previously recommended reducing state financial subsidies for private schools during state budget shortfalls, though those proposed reductions failed to secure passage in the Legislature.
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