Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF4499

Introduced
3/4/24  

Caption

Children withdrawn from school encouraged to reenroll in an education program, and families notified of resources.

Impact

This legislation will amend the existing Minnesota Statutes concerning school attendance and student enrollment procedures. By formalizing the role of the Department of Education in making contact with families of withdrawn students, the bill is intended to mitigate the disruptions in educational continuity experienced by children. This could lead to improved educational outcomes by ensuring that families are aware of their options and the support available, potentially reducing dropout rates.

Summary

House File 4499 aims to address the issue of students who have been withdrawn from school by encouraging their reenrollment into educational programs. The bill mandates that school districts notify the Department of Education when a student is removed from their rolls for excessive absences. The Department of Education will then take responsibility for reaching out to the families of these students to inform them of their right to reenroll and to highlight available county and community resources to support the student's educational journey.

Contention

While the intent behind HF4499 is seen positively by advocates who prioritize student welfare and education accessibility, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility of the Department of Education's ability to effectively manage the reenrollment process for every withdrawn student. Additionally, some may argue that this approach could place undue responsibility on the state at the expense of local autonomy, with advocates for local control potentially voicing their concerns about state-level intervention in educational matters.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MN SF1471

Reenrollment encouragement after a student withdrawal from school

MN HF1053

Reenrollment after student withdrawal from school encouraged, and notification and resources required for the family of an unenrolled child.

MN SF2882

Attendance definition provision, reenrollment of students provisions, and children in need of protective services or educational neglect presumptions modifications

MN HF2067

Student attendance provisions modified, reporting requirements modified, and notification procedures for student absences and reenrollment modified.

MN HF2292

Early learning scholarships, Head Start, and early education programs modified; early childhood educator programs provided; reports required; and money appropriated.

MN HF3611

LEAPS Act modified, school districts required to create English learner parent committees, and translation and communications opportunities expanded for the families of English learners.

MN HF1774

Extended time revenue modified, graduation incentives program expanded to include all English learners with interrupted formal education, and postsecondary enrollment in summer courses allowed.

MN SF1913

Education extended time revenue modification; graduation incentives program expansion to include all English learners with and interrupted formal education authorization; postsecondary enrollment in summer courses authorization

MN HF1269

Prekindergarten through grade 12 provisions modified including general education accountability and transparency, education excellence, American Indian education, charter schools, discipline, teachers, special education, and early learning; and reports required.

MN HF2291

Prekindergarten through grade 12 provisions modified including general education accountability and transparency, education excellence, American Indian education, charter schools, discipline, teachers, special education, and early learning; and reports required.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.