Appropriations approves select committee, funding for school‑finance recalibration including virtual and charter schools

Management Council staff and the Legislative Service Office briefed the Appropriations Committee on House Bill 316, which would establish a select recalibration committee comprised of six House and six Senate appointees, authorize consultants and require the committee to report recommendations and any legislation to the legislature. The draft appropriates $800,000 for a consultant and an additional $120,000 for committee expenses; staff said the committee may secure consultants and has historically used long‑standing consultants experienced in school‑finance recalibration work.

The bill adds explicit direction to include virtual education and charter schools in the recalibration and charges the committee to consider recent and pending court decisions in school‑finance litigation. Staff noted the committee would expire on a statutory date and must report back with recommendations; appointments are to be made by March 31, 2026, under the draft language.

Members debated committee composition and amendments. Representative Pendergraft’s motion to remove specific language about virtual schools failed; Representative Sherwood moved and members approved combining two appropriations line items into one consolidated appropriation to simplify contracting. After amendment and discussion, the committee voted to pass House Bill 316 as amended; the roll call recorded six ayes and one excused.

The bill directs agencies, school districts and advisory panels to assist the select committee, and allows the select committee to sponsor legislation based on its findings. Staff recommended consultant candidates familiar with previous recalibrations and reminded members that expert consultants have been heavily relied upon in litigation.