s_sa_2017a_2017-05-09t13:21:44z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 05/09/2017

Location: SCR 352

01:26 PM -- HB17-1375



Senator Williams and Senator Hill, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 17-1375 to the committee and provided an information sheet on the bill (Attachment A). This bill includes several requirements concerning the allocation of mill levy override (MLO) revenue by participating school districts. Participating districts are defined in the bill as districts of innovation or districts that have authorized at least one charter school that also collect MLO revenue. For FY 2019-20 and thereafter, the bill requires all participating districts to either implement a plan for distributing MLO revenue to each charter and innovation school in the district or distribute to these schools 95 percent of the district's MLO per pupil revenue.



17SenateState0509AttachA.pdf



If the district chooses to adopt a plan for MLO sharing, the plan must be adopted by July 1, 2018, and must ensure that MLO revenue is used to equitably support the education of all district students, regardless of the type of school the student attends. For each program included in the plan, the charter or innovation school may choose to receive the per pupil program share to provide the particular program or service. The local school board must ensure that the equitable distribution of MLO revenue is fully implemented by FY 2019-20 and thereafter. Districts may, but are not required to distribute MLO revenue to multi-district online schools. The bill requires each participating district that chooses to adopt a plan to post a copy of the plan on its website. Beginning in FY 2019-20, participating districts that choose not to adopt a plan are required to distribute at least 95 percent of MLO per pupil revenue to charter schools and innovation schools, and at the district's discretion, online students. Beginning in FY 2018-19, the bill requires such participating districts to post a statement of intent to share MLO revenue on its website. The following year, such districts must post the updated total MLO revenue collected and distributed.



The bill also includes several exemptions for districts in special circumstances. Specifically, districts are not required to share revenue generated from mills a district may levy for bonded debt. In addition, the bill exempts districts from sharing MLO override revenue if the district already has a written policy directing MLO revenue be targeted to students enrolled on alternative education campuses, at risk students, or students with individualized education programs. Districts are also not required to include revenue for charter school students that live in other districts.



Mill levy equalization of Charter School Institute. The bill creates the Mill Levy Equalization Fund in the state treasury to consist of any amount that the General Assembly may appropriate or transfer to the fund. Subject to annual appropriation, the Charter School Institute in the CDE must annually distribute all of the money appropriated or transferred to the fund to institute charter schools on an equal per-pupil basis.



Online Posting of Innovative District and Charter School Waivers. Beginning July 1, 2017, the bill requires innovation districts and charter schools to post a list of waivers they have received from the State Board of Education (SBE). For waivers that are not automatic, the district or school must also post a copy of their plan explaining the manner by which they intend to meet the intent of the waived statute. Beginning July 1, 2018, charter schools must post a standardized description and rationale for all automatic waivers it invokes, and contact information for employees who can provide additional information regarding these waivers. The standardized description will be developed by the CDE working with the CSI and a statewide association representing charter schools.





01:34 PM



Committee members discussed the bill with Senators Hill and Williams.



01:37 PM -- Dan Schaller, representing the Colorado League of Charter Schools, testified in support of the bill.



01:38 PM -- Kelly Caufield, representing Colorado Succeeds, testified in support of the bill.





01:40 PM



Mr. Schaller responded to committee member questions.





01:42 PM



Senators Hill and Williams wrapped up their presentation of the bill. The committee discussed the bill.

01:47 PM



The committee adjourned.