The Final K-12 Bill

As you probably already know, the K-12 bill is finally complete. Here is a quick explanation of the policy changes that did not get stripped out of the final version:

http://www.startribune.com/politics/blogs/125873223.html

And although it is called a "summary", here is a more detailed look at the bill if you are interested:

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/ss2011/11-3673sum.pdf

From an Administration and School Board perspective (but not necessarily the perspective of every ICARE member), here is AMSD's (Association of Metropolitan School Districts) take on it:

"If it weren’t for the increase in the school aid payment shift, this would really be a solid bill. Several AMSD priorities were included in the final bill including repealing the January 15 deadline and penalty, repealing the safe schools maintenance of effort requirement, a waiver of the 2% staff development set aside for two years and continued flexibility with fund transfers as long as the transfer does not increase state obligations or increase local property taxes. Another important provision is the repeal of the law that has allowed the state to delay school aid payments in lieu of state short-term borrowing. In addition, AMSD’s initiative to simplify the required ballot language when renewing a capital projects levy was included in the final bill. Another important issue that arose late in the session was the ability of school districts to use prone restraint in limited situations. The bill includes language that will allow limited use of prone restraints until August 1, 2012.

On the funding side, the bill adds $50 per year to the formula and maintains the current law growth factors in the special education funding formulas. The Integration Revenue program continues in its current form for the 2012-13 biennium. A 12 member advisory task force is established to develop recommendations for repurposing integration revenue funds beginning in the 2014-15 biennium. Six members will be appointed by Commissioner Cassellius and three each by Speaker Kurt Zellers and Sen. Amy Koch."

Generally, K-12 funding will be about at status quo for the next two years. The most disappointing, frustrating, etc. (choose your own adjective) part of this agreement is the additional shift. The IOU to schools is now in excess of $2 billion and it is hard for me to imagine our elected officials ever coming together to pay the money back. Below is a link explaining what shifting funds means for school districts:

http://www.minnpost.com/learningcurve/2011/07/07/29795/shifts_101_what_new_proposals_would_mean_for_minnesotas_schools

We will need to continue to press all elected officials on their commitment to adequately fund our schools and pay back the shift!

Latest in the Negotiations 7/14/11

Governor Dayton today agreed to a June 30 budget proposal with several conditions (see link below). Part of this would entail a larger K-12 funding shift.

http://www.startribune.com/politics/blogs/125567238.html

The ball is in the Legislature's court, and I'm sure we have not heard the end of this. The condition to strip the bills of policy positions could be particularly contentious. Stay tuned.