Bill > S324

This bill addresses racial segregation in schools by establishing two key initiatives: a comprehensive data collection and reporting system and a competitive grant program to promote school integration. The first component requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to annually publish detailed data on school and district racial composition, including categorizations like "diverse," "segregated," and "intensely segregated" schools based on specific demographic criteria. The department must also report on racial proportionality in advanced courses, gifted programs, and standardized test participation. The second component creates a school diversity and integration grant program that provides funding to school districts to develop and implement strategies to reduce racial segregation. Eligible districts can receive planning grants (up to one year) or implementation grants (up to three years) to conduct comprehensive assessments, engage communities, develop integration strategies, and implement initiatives like revising school boundaries, creating inclusive curricula, improving teacher diversity, and developing transportation plans. Grants will be awarded competitively, with priority given to inter-district or regional programs that demonstrate a likelihood of meaningful racial integration and improved student outcomes. The bill aims to address systemic educational inequities by providing resources and incentives for creating more racially diverse and inclusive school environments.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S324