Providers warn state adult-education RFP will shift funds away from rural counties; ask for delay and study

State and local adult-education providers told the Debermont House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development on March 18 that an Agency of Education request for proposals (RFP) implementing a student-based funding formula will shift millions of dollars away from rural counties and recommended the state pull the RFP, extend current contracts one year and convene a study committee to redesign the allocation formula.

The concern centers on proposed language tied to "section 40 11 of title 16," which Beth St. James of the Office of Legislative Council described to the committee as an amendment that would make the appropriation "an amount equal to 26% of the base education amount for each student who completes the diagnostic portions of an adult education and secretary credential program" and direct that allocations to providers follow the State Board of Education adult-education rules (Rule 2410). St. James said the proposed change would leave the appropriation calculation tied to statute while using the State Board rule for distributing funds to local providers.

Why it matters: Providers said the RFP released Feb. 27 applies the enrollment-based approach in statute and abandons the…