The bill amends the State School Aid Act of 1979 to enhance the framework for special education programs and pupil membership calculations. It introduces the term "center program," which pertains to special education initiatives for pupils with disabilities, ensuring that those in these programs can be counted for pupil accounting even if they are also enrolled part-time in non-center programs. The bill also revises membership calculation criteria, detailing how to account for pupil attendance in both traditional and virtual learning environments, including specific documentation requirements for cyber schools. These changes aim to provide clarity in funding allocations while ensuring that special education pupils are accurately represented in membership counts.

Furthermore, the bill establishes regulations for pupil participation in work-based learning experiences, ensuring that such participation does not displace existing positions within school districts. It defines "in-district" placements and outlines the criteria for work-based learning experiences. The bill also appropriates $2,000,000 for competitive grants to assist districts with the additional costs of pupils in work-based learning, with specific application requirements. Overall, the amendments seek to create a more consistent and equitable approach to pupil membership calculations and funding, while accommodating various educational scenarios and supporting special education initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 388.1606, 388.1611