Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to increase the financial support for area learning centers and alternative learning programs. These centers and programs provide educational services to students who may require alternative approaches to traditional education settings.

Main Provisions

• The bill amends existing statutes to require school districts involved with area learning centers or alternative learning programs to reserve a specific portion of their general education funding.
• It mandates that each participating school district must allocate between 90% to 100% of their average general education revenue for each adjusted pupil unit to these centers or programs.
• The calculation for this reserved revenue excludes certain types of revenue, such as basic skills, local optional, and transportation sparsity revenue, and it is based on the number of pupil units attending the area learning center or program.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill raises the minimum share of general education funding that must be directed to area learning centers and alternative learning programs. Previously, the exact percentage was not specified in the statute, which this bill addresses by setting clear guidelines.
• Funds reserved under this amendment are specifically designated for covering the program costs associated with area learning centers or alternative learning programs.

Relevant Terms

• General education funding
• Area learning center
• Alternative learning program
• Pupil unit
• Revenue reservation