Minnesota Senate Bill SF2017

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/23
• Refer: 2/21/23

Caption

Compensatory revenue modification

Impact

The legislative intent behind SF2017 is to ensure that compensatory revenue better addresses the financial needs of students who require additional support, such as those who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. By modifying how revenue is calculated based on these factors, the bill aims to direct more resources to schools with higher concentrations of at-risk students. Additionally, there are provisions that encourage schools to adopt best practices for utilizing these funds effectively, thereby enhancing educational equity across the state.

Summary

SF2017, also known as the Compensatory Revenue Modification Bill, seeks to amend existing laws related to education finance in Minnesota. The primary focus of the bill is to modify how compensatory revenue is computed and allocated across school districts in the state. This includes changing the revenue uses and increasing the percentage of compensatory revenue that must remain at each school site, promoting the intent to enhance resource availability directly at the school level. The bill is aimed at fostering better educational outcomes, particularly for students from low-income families and those who may otherwise be underserved.

Contention

While SF2017 aims to strengthen educational finance, it has raised debates among stakeholders about implementation and resource distribution. Some legislators have expressed concern that the changes may create disparities if not adequately managed since different districts have variable funding sources and needs. Essentially, the bill's critics worry that without careful oversight, the modification could unintentionally disadvantage some districts while favoring others, basing funding on parameters that do not account for all unique local circumstances.