Committee approves larger per-pupil increase and $100 million construction transfer in 13/69 amendments
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Summary
The Appropriations - Education and Environment Division approved amendments to bill 13/69 to increase per-pupil payments to a 3-and-3 schedule, require DPI approval (with HHS consultation) for some boarding placements, and increase a transfer for school construction to $100 million.
The Appropriations - Education and Environment Division approved amendments to bill 13/69 that raise the proposed per-pupil payment increase, clarify placement approvals for boarding students, and boost the amount transferred to the School Construction Fund.
Senator Shively explained three primary amendments: first, changing the per-pupil increase from a 2-and-2 to a 3-and-3 schedule, producing a first-year per-pupil payment of $11,400 and a second-year payment of $11,740. He said the additional funding addresses concerns about school choice impacts and helps maintain funding for public schools.
Second, the amendment to section 2 (page 13) requires that when a child is placed in a boarding setting the placement must be approved by the superintendent of public instruction (DPI), and the superintendent may consult with the Department of Health and Human Services. That change moves approval authority from a local decision to a DPI-level approval with HHS consultation.
Third, the committee raised a planned transfer from the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund to the School Construction Fund from $75,000,000 in the House version to $100,000,000, citing a related school-construction program tied to potential Air Force base grants that could require state matching loans of up to $20,000,000 per project.
The committee voted to approve the amendment package and recorded a do-pass recommendation on 13/69 as amended. Committee roll call showed assent from members present.
Why it matters: The changes increase ongoing per-pupil funding and direct more one-time stabilization money into school construction, while shifting placement approval for boarding programs to DPI review. Those moves affect district budgets, capital planning and state-level oversight of certain placements.
