F6F2562B4B0AC1488725845B0054ACEC Hearing Summary

Rebecca Sibilia and Matt Richmond, EdBuild, came to the table to discuss the school funding formula and the EdBuild simulatoin tool.  Ms. Sibillia and Mr. Richmond distributed a memo regarding funding for cost of living in districts (Attachment A) and provided the committee with an overview of the cost of living factor in the funding formula.  Michael Griffith, Education Commission of the States (ECS), and Tracie Rainey, School Finance Project, were also present to discuss the cost of living factor. Committee discusison ensued.

Ms. Sibillia and Mr. Richmond answered committee questions regarding other state practices incorporating a cost of living factor in their funding formulas, as well as mill levy overrides and their impact on the cost of living factor. Committee discussion ensued.

Mr. Griffith and Ms. Rainey discussed the cost of living factor and mill levy overrides in the state.  Committee discussion continued regarding the relationship between mill levy overrides and factors impacting the school finance formula.

Marc Carey, Legislative Council Staff, responded to questions regarding the personnel cost factors in school districts. Mr. Carey indicated that larger districts incorporate a 90% personnel cost factor into their formulas. Ms. Rainey further discussed the impact of personnel cost factors across districts. Mr. Griffith also discussed the personnel cost factor. The panel continued to answer committee questions regarding cost of living and the personnel factor and the impact of the elimination of the cost of living factor on district funding.

Ms. Sibilia and Mr. Richmond summarized the policy options that EdBuild is recommending to the committee and how those different options would impact the funding formula. Mr. Richmond and Ms. Sibilia and the rest of the panel answered questions from the committee.  The committee recessed.