The bill amends the State School Aid Act of 1979, introducing various updates to definitions and provisions related to school funding and pupil membership calculations. Key insertions include the definition of "average daily attendance" as 92% of pupils counted on membership count day, and clarifications of terms such as "board," "center," and "district." The bill also allows districts to count children who will be five years old by December 1 of the school year in their membership if the parent or guardian has provided written notification of intent to enroll in kindergarten. Significant deletions include the removal of specific references to sections that are no longer applicable, such as 11x. The amendments aim to streamline the process for determining pupil membership and funding allocations, ensuring alignment with current educational practices and federal requirements. Additionally, the bill allocates funding for various educational initiatives, including special education programs, early childhood education, and virtual learning resources. It establishes a school aid stabilization fund to manage unexpended funds and ensure that shortfalls in the state school aid fund can be addressed. The bill also introduces accountability measures for schools designated as partnership districts, requiring reconstitution under certain conditions. Notably, it emphasizes compliance with health and safety standards in school food programs and mandates transparency in student surveys. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the clarity, effectiveness, and financial stability of the school aid funding system in Michigan while addressing specific educational needs and promoting quality in educational services.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 388.1611, 388.1617