State Aid; modifying weighted pupil grade level calculation for certain students; effective date; emergency.
Impact
The potential impact of HB3922 on state laws involves creating a revised structure for how state aid is calculated for school districts. The updated calculations will affect how schools receive funding based on their student population characteristics and the qualifications of their teaching staff. This could lead to greater support for districts with more qualified teachers and potentially decrease funding disparities between districts, especially those serving economically disadvantaged populations. The inclusion of an effective date of July 1, 2024, signifies the urgency in making these revisions to support schools promptly.
Summary
House Bill 3922 introduces modifications to the weighted pupil grade level calculations that determine state aid allocations to school districts in Oklahoma. The bill amends Section 18-201.1 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes to refine the way weighted membership for school districts is calculated. By incorporating various factors, including the weighted pupil category and district calculations, the bill aims to create a more equitable funding distribution that reflects the unique needs of different districts. Additionally, it includes provisions for evaluating teacher experience and qualifications in the funding model.
Contention
While the bill is generally viewed as a positive step towards improved educational funding, there are concerns among some legislators regarding the implications of the weighted calculations. Critics argue that the specific formulas used for calculating weights might still disadvantage certain districts disproportionately, particularly those that are already underfunded. Additionally, ensuring that the criteria for determining teacher experience accurately reflects the teaching context can be contentious, as disparities in educational quality across diverse districts may still persist despite attempts to equalize funding.
Schools; allocation of State Aid; calculation of weighted membership; modifying certain category weights; modifying calculation of small school district formula; effective date; emergency.
Schools; State Aid; adding definition for English Language Learner; modifying weighted pupil category for calculating State Aid; effective date; emergency.
Schools; State Aid; eliminating term; adding definition for English language learner; assessment; modifying weighted pupil category for calculating; effective date; emergency.
School funding; modifying calculation of State Aid; directing certain budget request to include certain amount of protested ad valorem tax revenues. Effective date.
Schools; making an appropriation to the State Board of Education; establishing minimum salary schedule; modifying State Aid weights; effective date; emergency.
School funding; modifying calculation of State Aid; directing certain budget request to include certain amount of protested ad valorem tax revenues. Effective date.
School funding; State Aid; calculation; increasing percentages of allowable general fund carryover; weighted calculations; effective date; conditional effect.
Schools; allocation of State Aid; calculation of weighted membership; modifying certain category weights; modifying calculation of small school district formula; effective date; emergency.
Schools; allocation of State Aid; calculation of weighted membership; modifying certain category weights; modifying calculation of small school district formula; effective date; emergency.
Schools; State Aid; adding definition for English Language Learner; modifying weighted pupil category for calculating State Aid; effective date; emergency.
Schools; State Aid; adding definition for English Language Learner; modifying weighted pupil category for calculating State Aid; effective date; emergency.