MN SF535

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

Receiving districts and charter schools must adopt a written plan to hire 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 times the school's pupil units for that year.

Schools receiving aid must maintain the number of school social workers employed and may contract for services to meet staffing ratios.

State aid must be reserved and spent only on school social worker salaries, benefits, materials, and contract costs, with an unspecified appropriation from the general fund for fiscal year 2018.