HI HCR87

Establish a working group to review and report on procedures and determinations for geographic exception applications within the Department of Education, with findings due no later than 20 days before the 2022 Regular Legislative Session.

Working group shall analyze 10+ years of historical geographic exception data, including disaggregated approval/disapproval data by demographics (ethnicity, special education needs, English Language Learner status, free/reduced lunch eligibility) and home/receiving schools.

Review geographic exception procedures including principal-applicant interviews and consideration of student grades and test scores, and evaluate feasibility of implementing an online geographic exception platform.

Examine equity implications and opportunities for more efficient fund allocation and objective approval standards; research how other states administer geographic exception programs.

Working group membership includes one House member and one Senate member (co-chairs), Superintendent of Education or designee, Board of Education Chair or designee, plus invited members including Department of Education Complex Area Superintendent, principal, teacher union representatives, nonprofit sector representative, and distance learning experts; dissolves January 30, 2022.