MN SF3062

Authorizes Lakes Country Service Cooperative to develop a continuing education program in consultation with Northwest Service Cooperative to help eligible secondary school teachers obtain graduate credits needed to teach postsecondary credit courses.

Defines Northwest Regional Partnership as a voluntary association of Lakes Country Service Cooperative, Northwest Service Cooperative, and Minnesota State University-Moorhead to provide coordinated higher learning opportunities for teachers.

Requires the partnership to fund up to 18 credits of course development, provide scholarships for eligible teachers, and develop criteria for awarding per-credit educator stipends to encourage program participation.

Gives priority enrollment to teachers employed by member school districts of Lakes Country Service Cooperative or Northwest Service Cooperative, with non-member district teachers eligible as space allows.

Appropriates $3,000,000 in general fund money to Lakes Country Service Cooperative for the continuing education program in fiscal year 2017, available until June 30, 2021, and requires annual reports to the legislature by January 15 of each year beginning January 15, 2018.