Bill > H4145

This bill: - Establishes a Twenty-First Century Education Trust Fund administered by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with an advisory council, to address disparities in student achievement, improve educational opportunities, share best practices, and support efficiencies across school districts. The fund will be supported by state appropriations, bond proceeds, and private donations. - Requires the Commissioner to set statewide targets for addressing disparities in achievement among student subgroups, with districts developing 3-year plans to meet these targets using evidence-based programs and interventions. - Requires the Secretary of Education to collect and publicly report data on student preparedness for workforce and post-graduate success by school district and high school. - Modifies the Chapter 70 school funding formula, including updating definitions, foundation budget amounts, and minimum aid provisions. - Increases the reimbursement rate for special education instructional and transportation costs that exceed a certain threshold. - Establishes a commission to study the fiscal health of rural school districts facing declining enrollment, and a task force to review and streamline state mandates on public schools. The bill aims to improve educational outcomes and equity across the Commonwealth through a combination of new programs, funding changes, data collection, and administrative reforms.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4145