HF2016

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify the way general education revenue is calculated for charter schools in Minnesota. Specifically, it seeks to include safe schools aid within the financing framework for charter schools, ensuring these schools receive funds to directly support safety-related initiatives.

Main Provisions

• The bill modifies how general education revenue is provided to charter schools by aligning it similarly to how school districts are funded.
• It introduces a specific provision for safe schools aid for charter schools. This aid is calculated as 36 times the number of adjusted pupil units the charter school reports for a school year.
• The safe schools aid is designated to be used specifically for safety-related purposes as defined by existing Minnesota law (section 126C.44 subdivision 4).
• The bill makes an allowance for the increase of general education revenue for charter schools that offer extended day, extended week, or summer programs. This amount is increased by 25 percent of the statewide average extended time revenue per adjusted pupil unit.

Significant Changes

• A new formula for calculating safe schools aid is introduced for charter schools, which was not previously included in their funding.
• The amendments ensure charter schools receive similar general education revenue as traditional school districts, including the additional safe schools funds.

Relevant Terms

safe schools aid, charter school funding, general education revenue, adjusted pupil unit, extended time revenue, special education charter school