The bill, H.B. No. 441, proposes amendments to the Education Code regarding the sparsity adjustment for certain school districts under the Foundation School Program. Specifically, it raises the threshold for the average daily attendance required for a school district to receive a basic allotment. The new language stipulates that a school district with fewer than 350 students in average daily attendance will be eligible for a basic allotment based on 350 students, provided it offers a kindergarten through grade 12 program and meets certain attendance criteria. This is an increase from the previous threshold of 130 students.

Additionally, the bill maintains similar provisions for districts offering lower grade programs, adjusting the attendance requirements accordingly. For instance, districts with a kindergarten through grade 8 program must have at least 50 students or be located 30 miles or more from the nearest high school district to qualify for a basic allotment based on 75 students. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 48.052 (Education Code 48)