This bill amends current law to include school and career specialists as eligible positions for supplementary weighting when shared between school districts and political subdivisions. Specifically, it adds the term "school and career specialist" to the list of operational functions that qualify for supplementary weighting, which is intended to provide additional funding to enhance student opportunities and redirect resources towards student programming. Under the new provisions, a school district that shares the operational function of a school and career specialist for at least twenty percent of the school year will receive a supplementary weighting of two pupils.

Additionally, the bill defines a school and career specialist as an individual employed by a state-based national nonprofit organization that assists students at risk of dropping out or struggling to transition into postsecondary education, the workforce, or military service. These specialists provide direct services to support student success, including life skills instruction, academic and career development programming, postsecondary transition assistance, leadership training, and employer engagement. This inclusion aims to enhance the support available to students and improve their educational outcomes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 257.11