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 refers to special education programs operated by districts or intermediate districts for various categories of special needs pupils, and clarifies the conditions under which pupils in these programs can be counted for pupil accounting purposes. Key changes include new definitions for pupil membership, particularly for special education pupils and those enrolled in cyber schools, as well as an emphasis on regular daily attendance and specific participation requirements for virtual courses. The bill also modifies existing language regarding the counting of pupils in alternative education programs and those who have achieved a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.

Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts adopt annual budgets in compliance with the uniform budgeting and accounting act, ensuring transparency in financial reporting. It requires districts to make their operating budgets and expenditure summaries available online and mandates annual audits of financial and pupil accounting records. The bill also introduces provisions for waivers of minimum instructional hours and days for alternative education programs, allowing for flexibility in instructional delivery. Overall, the amendments aim to improve accountability, ensure compliance with federal education standards, and address the needs of special education students while maintaining equitable funding and educational opportunities for all pupils.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 388.1606