SB59 - Department of Education Appropriation (2016-2017)

• Establishes 348 regular full-time positions for the Department of Education with a maximum annual salary of $250,445 for the Commissioner and grades ranging from N912 to C109 for other positions.

• Appropriates $24.7 million from the Department of Education Fund Account for state operations including $14.5 million for regular salaries, $4.5 million for personal services matching, and $3.5 million for operating expenses.

• Appropriates $524.1 million in federal funds for elementary and secondary education programs, including $496.1 million for entitlement grant programs and $18.4 million in professional fees.

• Appropriates $13.1 million for revolving loan certificates to school districts, $188.2 million for child nutrition programs, and $15 million for Medicaid administration claims reimbursements.

• Includes special provisions authorizing a "position pool" of 5 professional/executive positions (Grade N912) and 10 classified positions (Grade C130) for flexibility in addressing emerging education needs, subject to monthly reporting to the Legislative Council.