The first of two state aid enrollment calculation adjustment bills fell in committee on Friday (2/2)

 

House Appropriators defeated House Bill 1135, which permits school districts to use two-year averaging when calculating enrollment for state aid purposes, on a 5-3 vote.

 

“This is a broad issue with school districts,” Rep. Tona Rozum, the bill’s prime sponsor, said.

 

Rep. Rozum noted the cost to the state would be approximately $3 million and added the bill would “be a fair way to go” in returning the state aid calculation option that was removed in 2016 as part of the state aid to education overhaul.

 

The funding needed for the change proved to be the most challenging step for those voting “nay.”

 

“The three million dollars is just something we don’t seem to have this year,” Rep. Hugh Bartels said.

 

ASBSD supported the bill and also supports House Bill 1314, which permits school districts to use two-year averaging when calculating enrollment for state aid purposes with the greater of the two figures being utilized, and will receive a committee hearing in the future.

 

For updates on legislative session, check the ASBSD Blog, Bill Tracker page and Twitter feed.