This bill amends various sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the calculation of weighted average daily membership and state aid for school districts, as well as to update public improvement construction thresholds and school district levies. Key changes include adjustments to the multipliers for different student categories in the weighted average daily membership calculation, such as those in extended educational programs and English language learner programs. The bill also establishes a new baseline funding calculation for state aid, removing references to specific school years and allowing for retroactive application, while increasing per-student funding amounts for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.

Additionally, the bill raises the public improvement construction threshold to $250,000 and specifies conditions for when state or political subdivisions must consult with engineers or architects. It revises limits on school district levies to allow for specific mill levies for educational services and other purposes. A significant financial provision includes a mandated transfer of $100 million from the foundation aid stabilization fund to the school construction assistance revolving loan fund during the upcoming biennium. Certain sections of the bill will take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 15.1-27-03.1, 15.1-27-04.1, 48-01.2-02.1, 57-15-14.2
Adopted by the House Education Committee: 15.1-27-03.1, 15.1-27-04.1, 48-01.2-02.1, 57-15-14.2
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 15.1-27-03.1, 15.1-27-04.1, 48-01.2-02.1, 57-15-14.2