Senate Bill 667 establishes a framework for whole grade sharing grants to be awarded by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to school boards that enter into whole grade sharing agreements. The bill mandates that DPI provide four-year grants, amounting to $500 per pupil enrolled in the specified grades under the agreement, starting from the 2026-27 school year. Additionally, DPI is required to ensure that sufficient funds are available to cover all previously awarded grants before issuing new ones. The bill also includes provisions for annual reporting, requiring both the school boards receiving grants and DPI to report on the use of the funds.

The bill introduces new sections to the statutes, specifically creating 20.255 (2) (bp) for the grants and 118.50 (5m) detailing the eligibility and distribution of these grants. It emphasizes the importance of financial accountability by stipulating that grants can only be awarded if the appropriated funds are adequate to cover existing obligations. This legislative measure aims to support collaborative educational efforts among school districts while ensuring fiscal responsibility.