Bill > SF474

This bill modifies Minnesota's student support services personnel aid program to expand the definition of student support services personnel and provide more flexibility in how school districts and charter schools can use the funding. Specifically, the bill broadens the definition of student support services personnel to include not just traditionally licensed professionals like school counselors and nurses, but also individuals whose primary work involves reducing chronic student absenteeism. The bill's purpose remains focused on addressing personnel shortages, decreasing caseloads, and improving student academic, physical, social, and emotional outcomes. The legislation allows schools to use the aid to hire new support personnel, increase existing positions' hours, make temporary positions permanent, or purchase contracted services if they cannot fill full-time positions. For cooperative school districts, the aid can now also be used to cover transportation costs for student support services personnel. The bill becomes effective for revenue in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, depending on the specific provision. By expanding the definition of support personnel and providing more funding flexibility, the bill aims to help schools more effectively support student attendance, mental health, and overall academic success.