Legislative Briefs
True current service level
What it does: The Legislature sets the total amount for the State School Fund each biennium. Current service level, the executive branch’s projected amount required for the continuation of existing programs and services in the next biennium, is one of the main factors used in that determination. HB 2739 would require the Department of Administrative Services to prepare a tentative budget for the State School Fund each even-numbered year, require the CSL to be based off of a “49/51” split, and require the process to analyze current collective bargaining agreements and contracts for a more accurate calculation of ongoing costs. These factors would modernize the CSL calculation by increasing its transparency, creating a more collaborative process and setting a framework that would require forward-looking data, supporters say.
What’s next: Having had a public hearing, the bill’s next expected step is scheduling for a work session.
Summer learning
What it does: In 2021 and 2022, school districts received funding from one-time appropriations for summer learning programs. SB 531 would appropriate an unspecified amount to fund summer learning and after-school programs in 2023 and would give priority to programs that serve youths from rural areas or historically underserved populations.
What’s next: The Senate Education Committee has scheduled a public hearing and possible work session Tuesday, Jan. 31.
Quality Education Model
What it does: SB 281 would direct the Department of Education to review the Quality Education Model and update its methodology to consider all money appropriated by the Legislative Assembly for public education, including Student Success Act funds, and to ensure that the goals used for the report would adequately prepare students for careers or post-secondary education.
What’s next: The Senate Education Committee has scheduled a public hearing and possible work session Thursday, Feb. 2.