S.B. No. 319 Summary

• Amends education funding and law for the 2020-2021 school year in response to COVID-19 implications, including modifications to foundation funding allocations and state aid formulas

• Permits school districts experiencing a decrease exceeding 10% in utility tangible personal property tax value to receive additional state education aid payments in fiscal year 2020 or 2021

• Allows school district boards to furlough employees through June 30, 2021, for financial reasons without pay, though employees may use accrued leave and maintain insurance coverage

• Suspends or modifies state assessments, report cards, and accountability ratings for 2019-2020 school year; exempts districts from certain sanctions based on that year's performance

• Extends or waives various education requirements including teacher evaluations, licensing exams, and end-of-course exams, while allowing students to use final course grades as equivalents for diploma requirements