MAEP; determine cost of using Average Daily Membership (ADM) in lieu of ADA with 90% threshold attendance trigger.
Impact
The adjustments brought forth by HB 1369 are expected to significantly impact the allocation of funds for Mississippi's school districts. By determining funding based on ADM, the bill seeks to more accurately account for the number of students present, enhancing financial efficiency and ensuring schools receive funding that reflects their current student populations. Additional provisions of the bill require the State Auditor to conduct counts of students to further verify and support the accuracy of funding calculations based on these metrics.
Summary
House Bill 1369 aims to amend the Mississippi Code to redefine the terms related to average daily membership (ADM) and its implications on the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP). The bill proposes that funding for school districts should be based on student attendance metrics, specifically utilizing the ADM instead of average daily attendance (ADA). This measure is intended to create a more equitable funding distribution aligned with actual student attendance while also considering certain exceptions that may affect individual districts.
Sentiment
Discussions around HB 1369 reflect a generally positive sentiment among those advocating for reforms in school funding. Proponents suggest that this bill will streamline funding processes and address disparities stemming from varying attendance calculations across districts. Conversely, there are apprehensions from parties concerned about the potential for oversight and the burden on districts to manage new reporting requirements effectively.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns over how the shift from ADA to ADM may affect schools with transient populations or those facing unique attendance challenges. Critics assert that relying heavily on attendance metrics could inadvertently penalize schools serving at-risk populations, thus exacerbating existing inequalities. The removal of the strict attendance requirement—which previously mandated that a student missing more than 37% of an instructional day be counted as absent for the entire day—has also sparked debate regarding student accountability and parental responsibilities in ensuring school attendance.
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 15.1-27-03.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the determination of weighted average daily membership; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.