Education finance: average daily attendance and timeline waivers: protective equipment and cleaning appropriation: COVID–19.
The bill modifies how average daily attendance is calculated for the 2019-2020 school year. It allows local educational agencies to report ADA based on attendance prior to the pandemic, thereby ensuring funding continuity despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19. This means that local school districts can maintain financial stability for staffing and operations, even when physical classrooms are closed. Furthermore, the bill encourages the compensation of teachers and staff during periods of closure, promoting the retention of educational personnel.
Senate Bill No. 117 addresses education finance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on providing relief to local educational agencies that were affected by school closures. The bill allocates $100 million from the General Fund for purposes such as purchasing personal protective equipment and for cleaning school facilities. Additionally, it aims to support educational continuity by waiving specific requirements related to average daily attendance (ADA) and instructional day counts during the mandated closures, ensuring schools do not suffer financially for unanticipated closures resulting from the pandemic.
The general sentiment surrounding SB 117 is positive among supporters who view it as a necessary and timely intervention to assist schools during a crisis. Lawmakers and educational advocates emphasize the importance of maintaining educational services and ensuring that measures are in place to protect health and safety in school environments. Nevertheless, some concerns exist regarding the specific implementations of the bill and whether the appropriated funds will adequately meet the diverse needs of various districts, particularly those with limited resources.
Notable points of contention revolve around the balance between supporting local educational agencies and maintaining accountability for educational standards. While the bill waives certain attendance requirements, critics argue this could lead to potential oversights in educational quality during the pandemic. Furthermore, the bill does not waive any federal requirements imposed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which has raised discussions about how different educational needs will be accommodated during ongoing closures and transitions to distance learning.