Charter schools are currently financed in the same way as public schools, with the exception of referendum revenue, which charter schools do not receive.
HF1860, sponsored by Rep. Kelby Woodard (R-Belle Plaine), proposes that referendum revenue be transferred in an equal amount for each student that attends a charter school in his or her resident school district. This increase for charter schools’ general education aid would be offset by a corresponding decrease in the resident school districts’ general education aid. This would affect Minnesota schools beginning in fiscal year 2014.
Initially heard Jan. 24 by the House Education Finance Committee, members of the committee again discussed the bill Feb. 15, including adopting an amendment that would only apply this bill to future levies that fund schools, not standing levies. No action was taken on the bill. It has no Senate companion.
During previous meetings, charter school officials spoke in favor of the bill, arguing that their students are being punished for exercising their right to choose which school they attend.
Testifiers from public schools disagreed, saying that the bill would take away much-needed funds that pay for services only public schools provide.
Woodard explained that his bill would create a more equal approach to education funding.
“When we say we’re doing this per pupil for education purposes, for public school students, that really isn’t a fair statement,” he said.
Other committee members expressed hesitancy to support the bill. Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL-Roseville) said she was concerned that special education services public schools provide will lose funding.
“I haven’t had an e-mail that I can recall, honestly, that says ‘Please support this,’” said Rep. John Ward (DFL-Brainerd).
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