HF 313

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 02/02/2011 09:06am

A bill for an act
relating to education finance; encouraging school programs offering alternative
school year calendars; authorizing grants; appropriating money; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 124D.12; 124D.126, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 124D.12, is amended to read:

124D.12 PURPOSE OF FLEXIBLE LEARNING YEAR PROGRAMS.

Sections 124D.12 to 124D.127 authorize districts to evaluate, plan and employ the
use of flexible learning year programs. It is anticipated that the open selection of the type
of flexible learning year operation from a variety of alternatives will allow each district
seeking to utilize this concept to suitably fulfill the educational needs of its pupils. These
alternatives must include, but not be limited to, various 45-15 plans, four-quarter plans,
quinmester plans, extended learning year plans, flexible all-year plans, and four-day week
plans. new text begin Grants for these programs are available under section 124D.126, subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2012.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 124D.126, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Grants. new text end

new text begin A school district or charter school that operates a flexible learning
year program is eligible for a grant. The district must apply for a grant in the form and
manner required by the commissioner of education. The commissioner must evaluate
grant proposals and may award grants of up to $50,000 per school site served by a flexible
learning year program. A school district may apply for a grant for more than one site. If
the appropriation for this program is insufficient, the commissioner may reduce grant
amounts to each site or establish a priority for grants based on each district's application.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $3,000,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2012 from the general fund to the
commissioner of education for purposes of making grants under section 2.
new text end