HB 436 Summary

• Adopts needs-based funding system statewide for all 19 school districts and charter schools in Delaware, replacing previous funding models that were implemented through temporary legislative measures.

• Updates terminology throughout Title 14 by replacing "handicapped" with "children with disabilities" and "special schools" with "programs" to reflect current language standards.

• Establishes six unit categories for funding purposes: Preschool (12.8 students), K-3 (16.2 students), Grades 4-12 Regular Education (20 students), Basic Special Education (8.4 students), Intensive Special Education (6 students), and Complex Special Education (2.6 students), effective July 1, 2010.

• Revises special education service delivery by allowing districts to use earned related services units flexibly through hiring specialists or contracting with public/private agencies, with contract values capped at Master's level teacher salary plus 10 years experience plus 10 percent.

• Modifies funding for 12-month programs for complex needs students to calculate state share at 100 percent of Complex units and 30 percent of Intensive units, with additional salary support based on actual days employed.