MN SF1276

Establishes an Educational Partnership Fund program administered by the commissioner of education to support coordinated educational partnerships that provide evidence-based services in geographic areas experiencing poverty, targeting closure of opportunity gaps for children and families.

Requires grant recipients to provide or coordinate integrated supportive services in nine minimum areas: kindergarten readiness, third-grade reading proficiency, high school graduation, postsecondary attainment, physical and mental health, career skills development, parental engagement, community engagement, and reduction of remedial education.

Creates three tiered grant levels: Tier 1 for community planning, Tier 2 for capacity building implementation, and Tier 3 for sustaining and expanding existing programs, with each grant requiring matching funds from nonstate sources.

Appropriates $4,650,000 for fiscal year 2016 and $5,400,000 for fiscal year 2017, allocated as: $400,000 annually for Tier 1, $1,250,000-$2,000,000 for Tier 2, and $3,000,000 annually for Tier 3, with a base appropriation of $6,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and beyond.

Requires biennial reports by December 15 of odd-numbered years beginning in 2017, analyzing program performance, outcomes, and Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment scores, with recommendations for legislative changes.