House Education committee reviews draft to expand regional 'Seesaw' program, alter study reimbursements and delay foundation-formula trigger

The House Education Committee on April 2, 2026, walked through draft 9.1 of a bill that would create and fund regional cooperative educational service areas (CISAs, referred to in the draft as the "Seesaw" program), revise study‑committee reimbursements and timelines, scale back previously proposed pre-K mandates into intent and study assignments, and push the foundation‑formula effective date to July 1, 2030 contingent on several statutory conditions.

The bill as presented by Beth St. James of the Office of Legislative Council front‑loads legislative intent tied to Act 73 and adds detailed statutory language to form and govern CISAs, while preserving committee flexibility. St. James said the draft contains numerous highlighted editorial items and asked members to verify maps and group lists that accompany the bill text.

St. James said the draft raises the Seesaw startup grant maximum from $10,000 to $15,000 and adds a separate $30,000 appropriation from the general fund to the Agency of Education (AOE) to fund the increase. "My understanding is only $10,000 of that $70,000 has been spent and AOE…