Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to appropriate funds for the Read Act training in the state of Minnesota. The bill aims to provide financial assistance to educational institutions to support teacher compensation for training related to the Read Act.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation Amount: The bill allocates a specific sum from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal year.
• Teacher Compensation: Funds are designated for payment of state aid to school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units that offer direct instructional services.
• Calculation of Aid: Each educational entity will receive the greater of $2,000 or an amount equal to $40 multiplied by the number of students according to the fall 2024 enrollment count.
• Payment Deadline: The Department of Education is required to distribute payments by October 15, 2025, with 100% payable in fiscal year 2026.
• Use of Funds: The funds must be utilized to compensate eligible teachers. Compensation should align with either existing laws (Laws 2024, chapter 115, article 3, section 7) or a memorandum of understanding with teacher representatives regarding the time spent on mandated Read Act training.

Significant Changes

• This bill introduces specific funding and compensation protocols for teachers undergoing Read Act training, which was not previously outlined in existing law. It provides a structured financial model to ensure educational entities receive adequate compensation to support teacher training efforts.

Relevant Terms

• Read Act
• Teacher compensation
• State aid
• School districts
• Charter schools
• Cooperative units
• Fiscal year 2026
• Department of Education