The bill proposes the closure of the Perpich Center for Arts Education by June 30, 2027, transitioning its funding model to a pupil-based system for a two-year period. It amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes, removing references to the Perpich Center in relation to unclassified positions, severance pay for teachers, and alternative teacher compensation revenue. The bill establishes the Lola and Rudy Perpich Arts Education Division to provide arts support services to school districts and enhance arts education opportunities statewide. A new funding mechanism will allow for per pupil funding based on enrollment figures and previous fiscal year revenue, with most changes taking effect on June 30, 2027, and the per pupil funding section starting on July 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill outlines the transfer of the Center's assets, including the Perpich Arts Library to the State Library Services Division, and mandates the transfer of student education records. Unspent appropriations will revert to the original funding source, and remaining funds in dedicated accounts will be transferred to the general fund upon the Center's closure. The bill also introduces a funding program for arts education, providing selected sites with $1,250 annually for two years, contingent on the submission of a long-range plan for arts education. Districts receiving these funds must maintain a separate account for their disbursement, ensuring that the funds are exclusively used for arts education programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 43A.08, 122A.416, 123A.30, 124D.05, 297A.70