The bill amends the State School Aid Act of 1979 to enhance definitions and provisions related to special education programs and pupil membership calculations. It introduces the term "center program," which encompasses special education programs for various categories of pupils, including those with autism spectrum disorder and severe cognitive impairments. The bill ensures that pupils in center programs can be counted for pupil accounting purposes even if they are part-time in non-center programs, aligning with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act's least restrictive environment provisions. Additionally, the bill revises criteria for calculating pupil membership across different educational settings, including public school academies and cyber schools, and establishes clear guidelines for counting pupils in alternative education programs and special education.

Moreover, the bill mandates that school districts adopt annual budgets in compliance with the uniform budgeting and accounting act, requiring transparency in financial reporting. It specifies that districts must publish their operating budgets and expenditure summaries on their websites and outlines auditing requirements to ensure accountability. The bill also addresses pupil instruction requirements, allowing districts to exempt certain days of instruction due to unforeseen circumstances and establishing guidelines for counting instructional hours. Overall, the amendments aim to refine the membership counting process and enhance financial practices within educational institutions, ensuring accurate funding and resource allocation.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 388.1606
House Introduced Bill: 388.1606
As Passed by the House: 388.1606