MN HF44

Expands enhanced debt service equalization aid to include school districts that consolidate on or after July 1, 2021, if their consolidation plan identifies construction projects with positive review and comment.

Clarifies that cooperative units and joint powers districts may use long-term maintenance revenue transferred from member districts to make debt service payments, pay project costs, or pay lease costs for long-term facilities maintenance projects at leased facilities.

Increases lease levy authority for school districts that are members of cooperative units to $65 times adjusted pupil units for administrative and classroom space leases, and allows districts to levy for proportionate share of lease expenditures for district-owned buildings leased to cooperative units.

Modifies referendum equalization levy thresholds, increasing the first tier threshold from $567,000 to $650,000 per resident pupil unit and the second tier threshold from $290,000 to $320,000 per resident pupil unit, effective for fiscal year 2022.

Authorizes Independent School District No. 709, Duluth, to issue up to $31,500,000 in general obligation bonds to finance a school facility plan involving the sale of Historic Old Central High School and construction or acquisition of new administrative, transportation, and facility projects.