Average daily membership; student withdrawals
Should SB 1174 be enacted, it is expected to have significant implications for school district budgets across Arizona. By refining the definition of average daily membership, schools may see changes in their funding allocations, particularly benefiting those with fluctuating student populations. The specificity regarding enrollment reporting will likely enhance the accuracy of student attendance records and funding disbursements from the state. Schools will need to adapt to these new rules regarding how they account for student withdrawals and absences in their budget preparations.
Senate Bill 1174 focuses on the calculation of average daily membership (ADM) for students in Arizona school districts by amending section 15-901 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The bill clarifies definitions related to student enrollment, including how withdrawals are handled regarding attendance. It states that a student’s absence for nine or fewer consecutive school days does not count as a withdrawal, thus ensuring that schools do not lose funding for these students. The legislation aims to provide a more stable funding mechanism for schools by better accounting for transient student populations.
The sentiment around SB 1174 appears largely positive among legislators who recognize the importance of stable educational funding and accurate student attendance reporting. Supporters of the bill argue that it addresses ongoing challenges faced by schools in maintaining funding during times of student mobility. However, there could be concerns among some school administrators regarding the implications of stricter reporting requirements and the administrative burden it may pose.
Notably, there could be contention over how the bill's implementation might affect individual school districts, especially smaller or rural districts that may experience larger fluctuations in enrollment due to geographic and social factors. While the intent is to stabilize funding, there may be fears of inadequate support for schools with higher mobility rates. Stakeholders will need to engage in further discussions to address these potential discrepancies and ensure that the bill meets the needs of vulnerable student populations.