The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to K-3 reading programs by introducing new provisions that allow school districts to exceed their general budget limit (GBL) under specific conditions. Currently, school districts are restricted from adopting budgets that exceed the GBL without an election. The bill would enable districts with an ending cash balance that exceeds their budgeted carryforwards and where more than 30% of third-grade students do not demonstrate sufficient reading skills to adopt a budget that exceeds the GBL without an election, provided the increase does not exceed 20% of the difference between the ending cash balances and budget balance carryforwards.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the budgeted amount must be funded by unallocated monies from the maintenance and operations fund and unrestricted capital outlay fund, and it restricts the use of these funds to instructional purposes based on the district's K-3 reading program plan. The bill also makes several technical changes, including the requirement for school districts to submit updated K-3 reading plans and annual reports to the Department of Education, ensuring that the plans include baseline data and budget allocations for K-3 reading support. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the effectiveness of K-3 reading programs and provide additional funding flexibility for districts facing challenges in reading proficiency.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-211