The bill amends the Public School Funding Act of 2003 to enhance funding for special education and address the needs of public school classified staff. It establishes a new category of funding specifically for special education, which will be calculated at $3,862 per student receiving special education services starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This funding will be separate from the foundation funding, ensuring that it is exclusively allocated for special education purposes. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for increased funding for public school classified staff, proposing a raise to at least $15 per hour to improve recruitment and retention.

The bill also revises various funding amounts for the upcoming school years, including adjustments to foundation funding, alternative learning environment funding, and funding for English learners. For instance, the foundation funding amount will increase from $7,618 to $8,165 for the 2025-2026 school year. The bill aims to address the disparities in funding allocation and ensure that resources are directed towards areas of critical need, such as special education and mental health support in schools.

Statutes affected:
HB 1539: 6-20-2305(a), 6-20-2305(b)