Provides that a school district could elect and choose to not spend money on any mandate that is not fully funded through the state education aid formula.
Impact
The impact of S0334 on state education laws is significant as it emphasizes the importance of fully funding mandates before they can be enforced financially on school districts. By granting districts the ability to certify which mandates they choose to ignore, the bill could potentially lead to a reevaluation of how education mandates are funded and implemented across the state. Opponents may argue that this could impact educational equity, especially in underfunded districts that may rely on state mandates to provide essential services.
Summary
Bill S0334, known as the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act, was introduced to alter the operational mandates placed on school districts in Rhode Island. Specifically, it provides school districts the option to opt out of financial obligations associated with mandates that are not fully funded by the state. This means that starting July 1, 2026, districts can choose not to spend money on such mandates imposed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that do not come with state funding support, thus providing districts more financial autonomy over their budgets.
Contention
Notable points of contention around S0334 include concerns about the potential fiscal implications for both the districts opting out of mandates and the overall quality of education. Critics may fear that allowing districts to bypass unfunded mandates could lead to disparities in educational resources and services among districts. Proponents, however, argue that the bill allows for greater local control and prevents financial strain from mandates that the state fails to support. This bill could set a precedent that impacts future legislation regarding education funding and mandates significantly.
Provides that the permanent foundation educational aid program would provide state funding for school-based mental health services pursuant to specified conditions.
Provides that the permanent foundation educational aid program would provide state funding for school-based mental health services pursuant to specified conditions.
Increases the state's regionalization bonus to six percent (6%) of the state's fiscal year share of foundation education aid and would be ongoing and continuing so long as the district remains a regional school district.
Provides that in local educational agencies when over 45% of the children have a family income that is at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines then the student success factor will be 50% by the core instruction per-pupil amount.
Provides that in local educational agencies when over 45% of the children have a family income that is at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines then the student success factor will be 50% by the core instruction per-pupil amount.
Amends the method for the calculation of the permanent foundation education aid to school districts, and would make an adjustment based upon students residing in qualified low-income housing.
Amends the term "extraordinary costs" for the purposes of excess costs associated with special education students. The new definition of extraordinary costs would be educational costs that are over 3 times the average statewide special education cost.