by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)
What’s the state of the state in education? Schools are implementing Gov. Sarah Sanders’ LEARNS Act. Legislators are performing the biennial adequacy study that will determine school funding amounts for the next two years. In next year’s legislative session, they could craft a new funding formula.
The sweeping 2023 LEARNS Act made major changes to the state’s education system but left many of the details to the rulemaking process. Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva estimated in an interview that “95%” of the rules are ready. Many had to be completed by July 1.
Among the most notable aspect of LEARNS was its creation of “educational freedom accounts.” Through these, 90% of the state per pupil foundation funding traditionally provided to schools instead goes to eligible families that can use them for qualifying expenses for nonpublic school alternatives. Roughly $7,000 per student will be provided to those families this upcoming second year of the program. Up to 3% of public school students can use them for private schools. Next year, there will be no percentage restrictions, and homeschooled students will be eligible.
State of the State Mid-Year 2024: Schools implementing LEARNS; funding formula change coming?
