State Aid; directing school districts that qualify for certain weight to use funds for certain purpose. Effective date. Emergency.
Impact
The changes proposed in SB709 are designed to create a more equitable approach to funding across various school districts, particularly those with varying levels of average daily membership. Notably, the bill establishes that the weighted calculations will be based on the higher weighted average daily membership from either the current or previous school year. Additionally, districts experiencing significant drops in membership are afforded a tailored calculation to prevent their financial resources from drastically diminishing.
Summary
Senate Bill 709 focuses on the distribution of state aid to school districts in Oklahoma. It amends existing legislation to dictate how weighted membership is calculated for schools when determining their eligibility for foundation aid and salary incentive aid. This bill specifies that school funding calculations should include weighted assessments across multiple categories, including pupil grade level, pupil category, district calculations, and teacher experience and degree metrics, starting from the 2020-2021 school year.
Contention
The most significant point of contention arises from how the bill mandates that school districts qualifying for specific weight categories, such as 'bilingual' pupils, must direct funds received towards professional development for teachers instructing in English as a second language. Some argue that this restriction may limit the flexibility of districts in using the aid to meet diverse educational needs and challenges they face. Furthermore, concerns were raised about the potential impact on less populated districts that could struggle under new funding criteria, especially if they do not meet the thresholds set by the weighted calculations.
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.