Senate Bill 765 Summary

• Department of Public Instruction must study and report by January 15, 2020 on raising noncertified public school employees' salaries to at least $15.00 per hour, including methods, fiscal impacts, and funding mechanisms.

• Delays kindergarten through third grade class size reduction requirements by one year, with average class sizes not to exceed one teacher per 19 students (and individual classes capped at one teacher per 22 students) for 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years.

• Provides budget flexibility for local boards of education through June 30, 2020 and the 2020-2021 fiscal year to transfer unexpended funds between allotment categories, with specified restrictions on transfers involving special education, English proficiency, gifted students, and central office budgets.

• Appropriates $2,900,000 from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Department of Public Instruction for grants to school units supporting Extended School Year Services for exceptional children impacted by COVID-19.

• Adjusts appropriation schedule for program enhancement teachers, reducing funding from 75% to 50% for 2020-2021, then 75% for 2021-2022, reaching 100% by 2022-2023 and thereafter.