HF1962

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to modify the requirements related to the administration and use of funds associated with American Indian education within Minnesota school districts. Specifically, the bill intends to eliminate the need for an American Indian Parent Advisory Committee's approval in certain aspects of fund management.

Main Provisions

• The current requirement for a school district to obtain concurrence from an American Indian Parent Advisory Committee in order to receive and manage American Indian education aid is to be removed.
• Schools will be allowed to carry forward up to half of the unexpended American Indian education aid to the next fiscal year without needing the committee's approval for the carry forward.
• While the committee's approval is no longer needed for financial management, the advisory committee is still expected to be informed of the carry-forward and its intended use.
• The school district must continue to report by April 1 to the Department of Education’s American Indian education director outlining why the funds were not spent within the original fiscal year and how they plan to use them in the upcoming year.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill amends the Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 124D.81 subdivision 2b, removing the requirement for the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee's concurrence in the use of education aid, allowing districts more flexibility in allocating these funds without direct committee approval.

Relevant Terms

• American Indian education aid
• American Indian Parent Advisory Committee
• Carry forward of funds
• Minnesota Statutes section 124D.81