HF2 - Omnibus Education Finance Bill Summary

• General Education Funding: Increases basic education formula allowance to $6,863 for fiscal year 2023 and later; appropriates $7.57-7.80 billion annually for general education aid in fiscal years 2022-2023.

• Teacher Recruitment & Support: Establishes "Come Teach in Minnesota" hiring bonus program ($2,500-$8,000) for teachers of color and American Indian teachers; creates "Grow Your Own" teacher preparation programs with $6.5 million annual funding; requires districts to develop mentoring programs for new teachers.

• Special Education & COVID-19 Recovery: Requires schools to meet with IEP teams by December 1, 2021 to address learning loss from pandemic disruptions; appropriates $1.82-1.95 billion for special education aid; provides compensatory services and extended school year programs as needed.

• School Meals & Nutrition: Establishes school meals policies prohibiting "lunch shaming"; ensures free/reduced-price lunch students always receive meals regardless of debt; appropriates $16-17 million annually for school lunch aid.

• Charter School Accountability & Early Education: Limits voluntary prekindergarten participation to 60% of kindergarten enrollment; restricts screen time for preschool/kindergarten students; strengthens charter school authorizer oversight with corrective action procedures.