MN SF2293

Adds new revenue source for state-approved alternative programs operated by intermediate school districts, education districts, service cooperatives, and joint powers entities, effective for fiscal year 2018 and later.

Expands eligible grantees under school-linked mental health services to include intermediate school districts and cooperative units providing instruction to students in federal instructional settings of level 4 or higher, effective July 1, 2017.

Provides staff development aid equal to $1,000 times the full-time equivalent number of licensed instructional staff and nonlicensed classroom aides employed by intermediate school districts and cooperative units for fiscal years 2017, 2018, and 2019, with funds reserved for training on behavior management, safety, de-escalation, and curriculum adaptation.

Appropriates $4,500,000 for fiscal year 2017 for staff development aid to intermediate school districts and cooperative units, with amounts to be determined for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

Requires a longitudinal program accountability study of intermediate district and cooperative unit supports and services for students with severe mental and behavioral health needs, with appropriation and timeline to be determined.