The legislation is poised to significantly impact how public schools receive funding at the state level, potentially leading to more stable funding for schools that have higher rates of absenteeism. The move away from the average daily attendance model is intended to provide these schools with the necessary resources to combat factors contributing to absenteeism. These changes may also encourage states to explore alternative methods of funding that do not disproportionately affect schools serving disadvantaged students.
Summary
House Bill 2836, known as the 'Cash to Classrooms Act', aims to prohibit states from using a funding formula for public schools that calculates funding based on the average daily attendance of students over a set period. The bill recognizes that current funding models that depend on attendance statistics lead to inequitable funding distributions, particularly disadvantaging schools that serve socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. By disallowing this model, the bill seeks to promote more equitable funding approaches that better address the needs of all students, particularly those from low-income families and minority backgrounds.
Contention
Supporters argue that the bill is a crucial step toward rectifying systemic inequities in school funding. They point to research indicating that average daily attendance models can exacerbate educational disparities, particularly for schools with significant populations of at-risk students. Critics, however, may raise concerns regarding the financial implications for the overall education budget and the potential challenges in developing new, equitable funding formulas that address the needs of diverse student populations.
Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish a program to provide children with parents on active duty in the uniformed services with funds to pay educational expenses. Specifically, ED must establish a tax-exempt Military Education Savings Account for dependent children of parents in the uniformed services for the payment of the children's educational expenses. Funds in the savings account may be used for specified purposes, including the cost of attendance at a private elementary or secondary school or institution of higher education, private tutoring, or costs associated with an apprenticeship or other vocational training program.
Native American Education Opportunity Act This bill addresses education savings account programs and charter schools for tribal students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior, at the request of federally recognized Indian tribes, to provide funds to tribes for tribal-based education savings account programs. Tribes must use these funds to award grants to education savings accounts for students who (1) attended or will be eligible to attend a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); or (2) will not be attending a school operated by the BIE, receiving an education savings account from another tribe, or attending public elementary or secondary school while participating in the program. Funds may be used for items and activities such as costs of attendance at private schools, private tutoring and online learning programs, textbooks, educational software, or examination fees. The Government Accountability Office must review the implementation of these education savings account programs, including any factors impacting increased participation in such programs. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund charter schools at any school that it operates or funds.