The proposed bill appropriates funds for the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and related educational entities for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It allocates funding for various institutions, including the Center for Distance Education, the State Library, the School for the Deaf, and North Dakota Vision Services - School for the Blind. The bill outlines increases in salaries, operating expenses, and grants for special education and transportation, while also introducing new funding for integrated formula payments and grants. Additionally, it specifies one-time funding items, limitations on new and vacant full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, and guidelines for fund distribution across educational programs.

Moreover, the bill allows the superintendent of public instruction to transfer unspent funds from the 2025-27 biennium to the general fund and exempts certain appropriations from the usual provisions regarding unexpended appropriations, enabling these funds to carry over into the next biennium. It also amends the salary of the superintendent, increasing it from $138,142 to $147,978 through June 30, 2026, and from $143,668 to $152,417 thereafter. Overall, the bill aims to enhance educational services in North Dakota while ensuring effective utilization of funds and addressing the compensation of key educational leadership.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations Committee: 15.1-02-02
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 15.1-02-02
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Committee: 15.1-02-02