Bill > H513

This bill establishes the Extraordinary Routes Relief Fund to provide financial support for non-regional school districts facing high transportation costs. The fund will be created with appropriations, public and private donations, and interest earnings, and will be used to provide grants to eligible school districts. To qualify for a grant, a non-regional school district must have transportation costs per pupil that exceed 125% of the state average, and can receive up to 40% of the excess transportation costs. An 11-member oversight committee, appointed by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, will manage the fund and ensure fair grant allocation. Districts must submit an annual report detailing their transportation data, including the number of pupils, transportation costs, number of vehicles, and miles traveled. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will conduct an annual review of the fund's effectiveness and submit a report to the legislative clerks evaluating the support provided to non-regional school districts. The goal of this bill is to help districts with high transportation expenses, particularly those in rural or geographically challenging areas, by providing targeted financial assistance.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H513