The bill mandates eligible local educational agencies to apply for grants by detailing their current chronic absence rates, existing programs aimed at addressing these absences, and comprehensive plans for utilizing the grant funds for improvement. Such funds can be utilized for various activities, including providing transportation services, conducting home visits for at-risk students, and creating mentorship programs. This approach could incentivize LEAs to proactively engage with students and their families to tackle the obstacles that contribute to absenteeism, ultimately aiming to improve overall educational outcomes.
Summary
House Bill 9307, also known as the 'Keeping our Students in School Act', aims to mitigate chronic student absenteeism through the establishment of a competitive grant program. This initiative, spearheaded by Mr. Gallego, is designed to support local educational agencies (LEAs) by providing them the necessary funding to develop and implement effective strategies for reducing the rates of absenteeism. The bill requires the Secretary of Education to set up the grant program no later than October 1 of the first fiscal year after its enactment, thereby establishing a clear timeline for legislative impact.
Contention
Potential points of contention around HB 9307 may arise in the form of discussions regarding the effectiveness and accountability of grant usage. Critics may question whether the funding will be adequately monitored and evaluated for success in reducing chronic absenteeism. There may also be debates over the equitable distribution of grant funds among varying local educational agencies, particularly those in underserved regions. As communities face different levels of resources and challenges, ensuring a fair allocation of grants will be critical to achieving the intended goals of the legislation.
One School, One Nurse Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award competitive grants to eligible entities for recruiting, hiring, and retaining school nurses. An eligible entity is a local educational agency (LEA) or a partnership between a state educational agency and a consortium of LEAs in the state. Further, ED must specify in regulation the recommended nurse-to-student ratios for elementary and secondary schools.