MI HB4295

Appropriates $11.5 billion total for Michigan public schools in fiscal year 2013-2014, comprised of $11.1 billion from the state school aid fund, $156 million from the MPSERS retirement obligation reform reserve fund, and $234.9 million from the general fund.

Establishes online course enrollment provisions allowing students in grades 5-12 to enroll in up to 2 online courses per term with parental consent, with districts required to post syllabi in a statewide catalog maintained by Michigan Virtual University.

Allocates $2 million to strict discipline academies and $2 million for grants to at-risk districts implementing year-round instructional programs, plus $51.7 million in federal Race to the Top early learning challenge grant funds for infant and preschool programs.

Provides $5.5 billion in foundation allowance payments to districts and $3.3 billion in discretionary payments, with requirements for districts to comply with data reporting, online course offerings, and section 1280b compliance to receive funds.

Allocates $405.9 million for special education programs and services, structured as foundation allowance-based payments covering 28.6% of special education costs and 70.4% of special education transportation costs, plus additional competitive grants for FIRST robotics programs ($3 million) and information technology education ($3.9 million).