Education finance: average daily attendance: Mountain Valley Special Education Joint Powers Authority.
The passage of SB 648 is expected to enhance the financial support for special education services in Shasta County. By allowing the attendance of students receiving special education services to be counted towards ADA calculations, the bill aims to ensure that these schools receive appropriate funding that reflects the number of students they serve. This change is particularly significant in light of previous challenges faced by the Mountain Valley Special Education Joint Powers Authority, where pupils did not previously generate ADA figures, thereby affecting funding negatively.
Senate Bill 648, introduced by Senator Dahle, addresses the financing of education specifically within the context of the Mountain Valley Special Education Joint Powers Authority. The bill seeks to amend the Education Code by establishing that employees of this Authority are considered employees of local school districts in Shasta County, thus impacting how average daily attendance (ADA) is calculated for funding purposes. This is crucial as the current funding system bases allocations on the average daily attendance of students, which includes only those under the supervision of recognized educational professionals.
The sentiment around SB 648 appears largely supportive, particularly among educators and administrators within the realm of special education. Stakeholders recognize the importance of funding being reflective of service utilization, and there is a general consensus that this bill addresses a critical gap in the existing education finance framework. The urgency of this bill's enactment indicates that there is widespread acknowledgment of the immediate needs of this educational body.
While the bill has garnered support from many legislative members, there could be underlying concerns regarding the uniqueness of the special statute proposed for Shasta County. Such special legislation may raise discussions around potential inequities experienced across different counties or districts, as it indicates that not all areas may benefit from similar attention. Nevertheless, the specific aim to cater to the educational needs in Shasta County under the context of special education has driven the urgency and necessity of this bill's passage.