Relating to school district class size and student performance, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions

This bill provides for a school district class size reduction supplement. For the school budget year beginning July 1, 2022, each school district for which the school district’s average class size for grades kindergarten through eight during the school year beginning July 1, 2021, was students or greater shall receive a class size reduction supplement. The supplement for each eligible district shall be in an amount equal to the share of the $15 million appropriation that is proportionate to the school district’s enrollment in grades kindergarten through eight for the school budget year beginning July 1, 2021, as a share of the total enrollment in grades kindergarten through eight for the school budget year beginning July 1, 2021, among all eligible schools. The class size reduction supplement amount received by a school district shall be used by the school district during the school budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2022, and ending before July 1, 2025, and shall be used to reduce class sizes among grades kindergarten through eight and address student underperformance and deficiencies. The class size reduction supplement is miscellaneous income, must be deposited in the general fund of the school district, and is not to be included in district cost. The appropriation for the supplement is made for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021, and the supplement shall be paid in full at the same time and in the same manner as the final monthly foundation aid payment to school districts for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The bill takes effect upon enactment.