Aid for transporting pupils between school districts that share services and making an appropriation. (FE)
Impact
If enacted, SB181 would allow participating school districts to receive financial support for transportation costs, which could enhance the accessibility of educational services for students. Aid amounts are structured based on distance from the enrolled school to the service provider, with specific reimbursement rates outlined. The bill also includes a provision that caps state aid based on the number of instructional days that transportation is utilized, thus incentivizing efficient use of resources.
Summary
Senate Bill 181 aims to amend existing statutes regarding transportation aid for pupils attending schools in different districts under shared services agreements. Currently, school boards that provide such transportation are not eligible for state aid to cover these costs. This bill seeks to rectify that by ensuring that school boards involved in shared services can receive state aid for transporting students to courses offered in another district. The bill specifically details that transportation aid will be calculated based on the distance pupils travel from their enrolled school to the service-providing school.
Contention
While the bill has the potential to facilitate greater cooperation and resource-sharing among school districts, there may be concerns regarding funding sources and the adequacy of the increased appropriation of $150,000 for the fiscal year 2024-25. Critics could argue that this amount may not be sufficient to cover all related transportation needs across the state, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Thus, discussions around the potential financial implications and implementation logistics of SB181 are likely to arise in subsequent legislative sessions.
Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)
Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)
Modifying the income and franchise tax rate structure for individuals and corporations, creating a school aid fund, supplemental school aid, school district revenue limits, and making an appropriation. (FE)
General equalization aids, supplemental hold harmless aid, the per pupil adjustment for school district revenue limits, and making an appropriation. (FE)
General equalization aids, supplemental hold harmless aid, the per pupil adjustment for school district revenue limits, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Payments for school district transportation of students, special education students, and career and technical education students, the distribution of transportation payments in the event of school district closure, and state transportation payments to school districts; and to provide an effective date.
AN ACT to create and enact section 15.1-27-31.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to transportation weighted student unit equivalents; to amend and reenact sections 15.1-31-05 and 15.1-27-31.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to open enrollment transportation; to repeal sections 15.1-27-26.1, 15.1-27-27.1, 15.1-27-28.1, 15.1-27-30.1, and 15.1-27-31.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to payments for school district transportation of students, special education students, and career and technical education students, the distribution of transportation payments in the event of school district closure, and state transportation payments to school districts; and to provide an effective date.