Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that appropriates funds for after-school and summer learning programs.

Highlights:

• Specifies for fiscal year 2021 only, a school district's​ declining enrollment revenue equals the greater of zero or the product of (Sec. 1.a):​

• 48.5 % of the formula allowance for that year; and​

• The difference between the adjusted pupil unit for the preceding year and the adjusted​ pupil units for the current year.​

• Requires a school district to consider how a student's disability may affect​ the student's ability to engage in distance instruction when determining whether to refer a​ student for truancy programs and services under Minnesota Statutes or reporting students for educational neglect (Sec. 2-2).

• Requires grant funds be used to partner with community businesses and organizations​ to deliver mentoring and tutoring programs. Fund uses may include but are not limited to (Sec. 3-3.b):​

• Contracting with organizations to develop and implement a mentor or tutoring model;​

• Transportation to activities and events that align with the mentor model;​

• Meal reimbursements at events and off-site locations;​

• Neighborhood-based location rentals; and​

• Providing child care for students in credit recovery and other noncapital costs​ associated with attending.​

• Specifies grant fund uses may include but are not limited to the following (Sec. 4.c):​

• Mental health services and supports;​

• Social, emotional, and physical health supports;​

• Summer learning or enrichment programs; or​

• Other activities that are necessary to maintain the operation and continuity of services​ in youth development and education, prioritizing the needs of historically underserved​ groups.​

• Requires grant funds be used to pay summer stipends and benefits for student support​ personnel to offer summer school students services and programming, which may include​ but are not limited to (Sec. 5.b):​

• One-on-one or group mental health supports;​

• Trauma-informed practices;​

• Evidence-based social and emotional learning district or schoolwide programming;​ and​

• Other well-being activities such as physical activity, mindfulness, and stress-relieving​ activities.​

• Authorizes the commissioner to award full-service community school grants to school sites​ in the form and manner determined by the commissioner. The commissioner must consider the effect of COVID-19 on the community served by the school site, including​ racial and ethnic disparities exacerbated by the pandemic, when awarding grants to school​ sites. The commissioner may establish a minimum grant amount (Sec. 11.b).

• Requires Ignite Afterschool prioritize funding for programs that (Sec. 14.d):

• Provide programming to support students in receiving instruction in a distance or​ hybrid learning model;​

• Include significant percentages of students with disabilities or students of color within​ the groups of students served;​

• Provide culturally specific support to students; or​

• Have staff members who reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the students served.​

Full Bill Text