SF1679

This bill (S.F. No. 1679) amends Minnesota Statutes section 126C.45 to allow multiple school districts to cooperate and share expenses in operating and maintaining an ice arena.

Key provisions of the bill include: - School districts can levy funds for the net operational costs of an ice arena, but the levy cannot exceed the actual net operating costs from the previous year. - Two or more school districts can enter into a cooperation agreement to jointly operate and maintain an ice arena, with costs and levy amounts apportioned as specified in the agreement. - Cooperating districts must report cost apportionments and levy details to the Minnesota Department of Education. - Districts managing an ice arena must demonstrate that they provide equal sports opportunities for male and female students, particularly in terms of access to practice times, team support, and opportunities for girls' ice sports programs.

This bill enables greater collaboration among school districts in maintaining ice arenas while ensuring gender equity in ice sports opportunities.