The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 124D.901, subdivision 4, to modify the allowed uses of student support personnel aid specifically for school districts and charter schools experiencing declining enrollment. The new language allows these districts to use the aid not only for hiring new positions or increasing service hours but also to maintain existing student support services personnel positions or contracted services, including those established prior to the 2023-2024 school year. A "declining enrollment district" is defined as one where the enrollment on October 1 of the previous fiscal year is less than that of the second previous fiscal year, and such districts can continue to allocate aid under this provision for the next four fiscal years.
Additionally, the bill specifies that the changes will take effect for revenue in fiscal year 2026 and later. This amendment aims to provide greater flexibility and support for districts facing enrollment challenges, ensuring they can sustain necessary student support services during periods of declining student numbers.
Statutes affected: Introduction: 124D.901