Standards of Quality; certain calculations, support services.
If enacted, SB977 would allow the Department of Education to conduct more comprehensive funding evaluations by including work-related travel, rental costs, and employee benefits in the calculations for nonpersonal costs. Furthermore, starting in fiscal year 2029, all employee benefit costs would need to be considered, effectively broadening budget allowances and potentially leading to better compensation structures for school personnel. This change aims to improve the financial stability of public schools, particularly those serving at-risk student populations, enhancing overall educational quality.
Senate Bill 977 aims to amend the Code of Virginia to enhance the financial calculations related to public school funding, specifically focusing on Standards of Quality. The bill proposes significant amendments to sections related to nonpersonal costs, employee benefits, and the calculation of salaries for instructional and support staff. Notably, it mandates the inclusion of various support costs in the funding formulas and prohibits any caps on inflation adjustments during budget re-benchmarking.
While the bill's supporters, which likely include educational administrators and advocates for at-risk students, argue that it will provide necessary resources where they are most needed, detractors may raise concerns about potential increases in state expenditures and the impact on local school division budgets. Given that local school boards may need to match state funding based on their financial capabilities, there may be discussions about equity in funding distribution across different regions of the state. The balancing act between state support and local financial responsibility will be critical in debates surrounding this bill.