Relating to modifications, adjustments, and reimbursements under the public school finance system and contract delegation authority for a school district located in a disaster area.
Impact
The bill amends existing provisions in the Education Code, allowing for adjustments to average daily attendance (ADA) calculations to ensure that the funding received by affected districts reflects their actual attendance more accurately, despite potential declines caused by disasters. This approach aims to uphold educational funding stability during times of crisis, allowing these districts to maintain operational capacities without severe financial repercussions stemming from disaster-induced attendance drops.
Summary
Senate Bill 644 establishes provisions for public school finance adjustments specifically for school districts affected by disasters. It enables school districts located in areas declared disaster zones by the governor to request modifications, including reductions in attendance credits and reimbursements for disaster-related expenses. The bill recognizes the financial strains that disasters impose on educational institutions and aims to mitigate these impacts through legislative adjustments.
Contention
Noteworthy points of contention regarding SB644 could arise from the assignment of responsibility for verifying disaster-related costs. The requirement for districts to provide adequate documentation may present obstacles, particularly for smaller districts with limited resources. Additionally, the bill's provisions on reimbursement and adjustments place significant administrative demands on the commissioner of education, as they must determine eligibility and process claims appropriately—raising questions about the efficiency of support provided to disaster-impacted districts.
Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.
Relating to the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, certain allotments under the Foundation School Program, determination of a school district's assets to liabilities ratio under the public school financial accountability rating system, and credit for prepayment of the amount required to be paid by a school district for the purchase of attendance credit under the public school finance system.