At the January 28th Hastings School Board meeting, in reports and discussions, State Representative 
Tom Dippel was present and discussed 2026 legislative priorities with the school board.
In a document, the Hastings School Board stated the reason for the 2026 legislative priorities is “to continue our ability to provide high-quality learning environments that maximize every student’s potential.”
Some of the listed priorities for the 2026 legislative session.
In non-revenue priorities:
- Reduce mandates and restore local control.
- New mandates that increase costs to districts or budget reductions that impact districts must have a fiscal note and must be enacted by March 1st of the current legislative year or delay enactment until July 1st of the following fiscal year to allow district staffing and program adjustments.
- Allow school boards, by board resolution, to transfer balance surpluses of non-federal funds between district operating accounts to meet financial needs without the need for additional aid or levy authority.
Some funding legislative priorities:
- Repeal summer-term unemployment insurance and paid leave, or fully fund both programs to cover employer premiums and substitute staff costs associated with the benefits.
- Repeal the contingent $250 million cut to special education cross-subsidy reduction aid scheduled for the 2028-2029 biennium.
KDWA connected with Hastings School Board Director and Treasurer Mark Zuzek for more information.
To listen to the broadcast clip, click the soundbite.