Budget Amendment ID: FY2016-S3-550-R2

2nd Redraft EDU 550

Circuit Breaker for English Language Learners

Messrs. Fattman, Humason, deMacedo, Tarr and Ross moved that the proposed new text be amended inserting after section 104 the following section:-

“SECTION 104A. (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department of elementary and secondary education shall submit a report to identify a funding source to provide a school district that has experienced at least a 20 student increase during fiscal year 2015 of the number of students who are classified as English language learners.  Any such funding source shall provide for an additional cost reimbursement for the English language learners. The study shall consider the feasibility of the reimbursement being equal to the positive difference, if any, between: (i) the number of enrolled English language learners as of October 1, 2014 and (ii) the number of enrolled English language learners for fiscal year 2016 as measured by the census of the students on October 1, 2015; provided, however, that the reimbursement for each student shall be in an amount equal to the amount of reimbursement provided for in chapter 70 of the General Laws for an English language learner for that school district.

(b) The study along with any recommendations shall be submitted to the clerks of the house and senate, house and senate committees on ways and means, and the joint committee on education not later than March 1, 2016.”