SF2555

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to expand the eligibility for funding that supports special education separate sites and programs in Minnesota. It aims to ensure that public separate day school facilities serving students with disabilities receive additional financial support.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Special Education Separate Sites: The bill defines special education separate sites as public day school facilities where students with disabilities spend 50% or more of their school day.

• Expansion of Eligibility: Various educational entities such as education cooperatives, education districts, service cooperatives, intermediate school districts, and certain school district sites can qualify for extra state funding to serve kindergarten through 12th-grade students with disabilities.

• Application for Funding: School districts operating sites that meet the definition can apply to the commissioner for funding eligibility. They must provide necessary program information as specified by the commissioner.

• Use of Additional Funding: The additional state funding received can be used for purposes similar to those allowed under the current state special education aid, ensuring flexibility and alignment with existing special education financial support systems.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 125A.81, providing a clear definition of eligible sites and expanding the scope of institutions that can access funds.

• It sets a formula for future funding, offering additional financial support that equals 1689 times the adjusted pupil units served in these special education environments, beginning in fiscal year 2024.

Relevant Terms

special education, separate sites, public day school, education funding, disability support, state funding, kindergarten through grade 12, school district eligibility, additional aid, Minnesota education finance.