This bill seeks to improve education funding in Minnesota by increasing financial support for school districts through various allowances and aid programs. Key provisions include raising the general education basic formula allowance, special education cross subsidy aid, English learner cross subsidy aid, and safe schools revenue. The bill also connects extended time revenue to the general education basic formula allowance and enhances equalization aid for debt service levies, local optional revenue, and operating referendums. Notably, it allows school boards to renew voter-approved operating referendums multiple times and revises the calculation for compensatory revenue eligibility based on direct certification and educational benefits applications.

Specific amendments to existing statutes include adjustments to equalized debt service levy calculations with new thresholds for fiscal years 2025 through 2027, and an increase in the English learner cross subsidy aid percentage to 90% starting in fiscal year 2027. The bill also modifies the cross subsidy reduction aid factor to 90% for fiscal year 2027 and beyond, and establishes a new basic revenue formula allowance for fiscal year 2025. Additionally, it appropriates funds from the general fund to the Department of Education for various educational aids, including provisions for unemployment aid for hourly workers during the summer term for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, thereby addressing the financial challenges faced by educational staff during the summer months.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 123B.53, 124D.65, 125A.76, 126C.10, 126C.17, 126C.44