2023 Senate Bill 23

AI Analysis – Experimental

SB 23 proposes significant amendments to the State School Aid Act of 1979, particularly targeting sections 6 and 11 (MCL 388.1606 and 388.1611), and introducing a new section, 61e. This bill aims to broaden the definition of "Center program" to encompass special education programs for various impairments, operated by district or intermediate district facilities. It seeks to refine definitions related to district and high school graduation rates and reports, and revises the calculation of "Membership" for funding purposes to account for fully enrolled and attending students, with specific adjustments for pupils transferring into strict discipline academies.

The bill meticulously outlines criteria for counting a pupil's membership across different educational settings, including public school academies, cyber schools, and special education pupils educated by intermediate districts. It sets attendance and participation requirements for cyber school students and addresses membership counts for pupils facing extreme barriers to education, such as homelessness. Additionally, the bill provides guidelines for counting pupils in alternative education programs, cooperative education programs, and those placed in home or alternative settings due to disciplinary actions, ensuring accurate and fair funding allocations based on various educational circumstances and delivery methods.

Furthermore, it includes provisions for pro rata membership counting based on instruction hours provided, criteria for instructional quality, and adjustments to membership counts under specific conditions such as school closures or operational suspensions. The bill also details the calculation of full-time equated memberships for special education pupils, the inclusion of pupils in middle college programs, and the counting of pupils in dropout recovery programs. It addresses the membership counting of pupils participating in virtual courses, those affected by school closures, expelled special education pupils, part-time pupils in nonpublic schools, and pupils enrolled in courses at colleges or universities in bordering states.

Additionally, the bill appropriates significant funding for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, including allocations from the state school aid fund, the general fund, and other sources for public schools and related educational purposes. It also allocates funds for competitive grants to districts for extra costs incurred with regard to pupils who participate in work-based learning experiences or related to state-approved career and technical education programs during their high school enrollment. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure equitable funding across diverse educational needs and settings, emphasizing a broad and inclusive approach to educational funding and support.