MN HF2724

School districts and charter schools may receive state aid for school social workers by notifying the commissioner of education by June 1 of the year preceding when aid is provided.

Recipient districts or schools must adopt a written plan establishing timelines to achieve at least one full-time social worker for every 250 pupils in average daily membership.

Aid amount equals the greater of $20,000 or $200 multiplied by the school district's or charter school's pupil units for that year.

Districts or schools receiving aid must maintain employment levels of school social workers at or above the number employed in the fiscal year before the first year of aid, and may contract for social work services to meet staffing ratios.

State aid must be reserved and spent only for salary, benefits, materials, and contract costs of school social workers, with an unspecified amount appropriated from the general fund for fiscal year 2017.