AMSD is The Voice for Metro Schools & Students

It is the mission of AMSD to advocate for member school districts so they can lead the transformation of public education.

We believe that:

Public education is foundational to Minnesota’s future prosperity.

Public education must be non-partisan and the highest priority of state government.

State education policy and resource allocation must recognize and support the unique needs of member districts.

The collective and consistent voice of member districts is critical to achieving our mission.

Minnesota’s education system is unjust and inequitable and does not provide sufficient resources to ensure all students thrive.

Providing Leadership, Access, and Information

School districts in the metropolitan area face challenges that differ from districts elsewhere in the state. AMSD’s members include both urban and suburban school districts, making it truly a metro-wide organization. Because of its broad-based membership, AMSD is in a unique position to identify the needs of metropolitan school districts and seek meaningful policy changes to help meet those needs.

Leadership

AMSD is a strong voice for public education both at the Legislature and in the media, with a proactive agenda and a commitment to action. AMSD’s primary task is to lobby at the state level for the needs of metropolitan school districts. However, AMSD’s Board believes that its lobbying efforts are most effective when the organization plays a role in shaping the broader public debate on K-12 issues and advocates for policies that benefit the State as a whole.

Access

During the legislative session, AMSD maintains regular contact with House and Senate leadership, the K-12 committee chairs, and key legislators. AMSD communicates through private meetings with lawmakers, providing written materials, and testifying before committees. AMSD also arranges for district staff and parents to testify on key issues, offering local information and perspectives that help legislators understand the impact of their decisions.

Information

AMSD provides its members with relevant, concise, and timely information on key issues and the progress of the legislative session, giving local school officials the tools they need to communicate with legislators and within their communities. AMSD also provides in-depth background material on issues, ongoing financial analysis of pending legislation, and assistance in preparing testimony for school officials.