This bill seeks to enhance education funding in Minnesota by increasing financial supports for school districts, including raising the general education basic formula allowance, special education cross subsidy aid, English learner cross subsidy aid, and safe schools revenue. It also links extended time revenue to the general education basic formula allowance and increases equalization aid for debt service levies, local optional revenue, and operating referendums. Notably, the bill allows school boards to renew voter-approved operating referendums multiple times and modifies the calculation of compensatory revenue eligibility based on direct certification and education benefits applications.

Specific amendments include changes to equalized debt service levy calculations with new thresholds for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027, and setting the English learner cross subsidy aid percentage at 90% for fiscal year 2027 and beyond. The bill establishes a new extended time allowance for fiscal year 2026 and later, modifies local optional revenue structures, and introduces provisions for the renewal of expiring referendums by school boards. Additionally, it appropriates funds from the general fund to the Department of Education for various educational aids and introduces a new provision for unemployment aid for hourly workers during the summer term for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, subject to existing statutory requirements.

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