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SF2839 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Unreimbursed special education aid paid by the resident school district to a charter school reduction; state portion of special education aid for unreimbursed charter school expenditures increase; appropriating money

Related bill: HF1099

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to address financial challenges related to the provision of special education in charter schools in Minnesota. It seeks to adjust the funding model to relieve resident school districts from bearing the majority of unreimbursed special education costs. By doing so, the bill intends to increase the state’s financial contribution towards these costs.

Main Provisions

  • Funding Adjustment: The bill proposes changes to the allocation of special education aid for charter schools. Currently, resident school districts pay a large portion of the costs that are not reimbursed by the state. The bill seeks to reduce this burden by increasing the state’s contribution.

  • Incremental Increase in State Aid:

    • From Fiscal Year 2020: Special education aid to charter schools has been adjusted based on whether the school receives general education revenue for the student.
    • Fiscal Year 2021 through 2025: Charter schools will receive an aid adjustment covering 10% of the unreimbursed costs.
    • Fiscal Year 2026 and beyond: The state will cover 40% of the unreimbursed special education costs, increasing financial support to charter schools.
    • Additional Funding for Qualifying Students: For certain students, charter schools will receive 50% of the unreimbursed costs as an additional support measure.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes sections 124E.21 and 127A.47 by redefining how special education aid is calculated and increasing state support to ease the financial load on local school districts.
  • By amending these statutes, the bill shifts a larger portion of funding responsibilities from resident school districts to the state, ensuring more consistent and sustainable support for charter schools' special education programs.

Relevant Terms

  • Special Education Aid
  • Charter Schools
  • Unreimbursed Costs
  • General Education Revenue
  • Financial Adjustment
  • Minnesota Statutes

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 20, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 20, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEducation Finance

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Increases state portion of unreimbursed special education aid for charter schools."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies special education aid distribution to charter schools under section 124E.21.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the way aid is calculated depending on whether charter schools receive general education revenue."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "124E.21",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New percentage-based adjustments for unreimbursed costs."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This legislation alters tuition adjustments and aid for charter schools under section 127A.47.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates clauses affecting tuition computation under different fiscal years."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "127A.47",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This modifies the cross-subsidy reduction aid related to special education under section 125A.76.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies how the aid is to be paid as though charter schools were regular school districts."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "125A.76",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors