MN HF1695

Establishes a pilot project providing incentives for school districts and county governments to develop partnership agreements ensuring foster care students can remain enrolled in their school of origin when placed outside the school's boundaries.

Requires school districts and local child welfare agencies to submit written interagency agreements describing transportation arrangements and payment plans, with parties seeking federal Title IV-E reimbursement for eligible students and costs.

Directs the commissioner of education to reimburse qualifying partnerships at the end of the school year based on allowable expenditures and compliance with reporting requirements, with funds prorated statewide if appropriation is insufficient.

Requires the commissioner to report to legislative education committees by February 1, 2018, including the number of agreements and participating districts/counties, baseline and comparative data on students remaining in their school of origin, transportation expenditures, federal reimbursements, and projected statewide implementation costs.

Appropriates an unspecified amount from the general fund in fiscal year 2018 to the Department of Education, with up to 5 percent available for state and local administrative costs including reporting, technical support, and Title IV-E reimbursement claiming process.