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House approves funding language to include International Baccalaureate programs in accelerated learning line
Summary
House Bill 266 would add International Baccalaureate programs to the state’s accelerated learning funding line, with an ongoing allocation of roughly $300,000 proposed; the House approved the bill after debate about impacts on AP and gifted programming.
Representative Carol Spackman Moss presented House Bill 266 to include International Baccalaureate (IB) programs in the state's Accelerated Learning funding line, proposing roughly $300,000 in ongoing state support to help IB programs meet curriculum and staffing requirements.
Sponsor Moss described IB as a rigorous, college‑preparatory program that includes a community‑service component and international assessments. "This program contains all of those elements that I think we all agree are very important in our students' preparation for college and life," she told colleagues. The bill would add IB as an eligible program for the existing accelerated learning appropriation; sponsor and supporters said some IB programs could be in jeopardy without state help.
Lawmakers questioned whether IB already qualified for accelerated learning funds and whether earmarking would divert money from Advanced Placement (AP) and gifted programs. Representative Ferry and others raised concerns about eligibility and the possibility of diminishing funds for existing AP programming. Sponsor Moss said the intent language and an increase in the line would protect AP and gifted programs while beginning modest support for IB.
Supporters pointed to precedent for allocating public funds to nonprofit program administrators (noting the College Board’s role in AP testing) and stressed that adding IB would expand college‑preparatory opportunities across the state. After a motion to cut debate and brief summations, the House approved the bill; a recorded vote was announced, showing passage (72 yes, 0 no). The bill will be referred to the Senate for further consideration.
