I-1351

House: Initiative 1351 (I-1351) changed the state’s funding requirements for class size and staffing formulas, with a phase-in schedule estimated at $2 billion for the 2015-17 biennium and full implementation effective September 1, 2018. Legislation integrates the 2015-17 phase-in requirements for I-1351 with the funding provided in the budget for K-3 class sizes, family engagement coordinators, and guidance counselors. The class size and staffing provisions of I-1351 scheduled to go into effect on September 1, 2018 are also amended.
Senate: Initiative 1351 (I-1351) amended the state’s funding requirements for class size and staffing formulas, with a phase-in schedule estimated at $2 billion for the 2015-17 biennium and full implementation effective September 1, 2018. The increased funding necessary to support I-1351 ($2 billion) is reflected at maintenance level. The legislature has the authority to set the program of basic education and intends to continue making changes to the program in those areas where emerging research and evidence demonstrate that better and more efficient strategies are available to assist student success. This separate legislation amends the definition of basic education to include specific enhancements to the program of basic education that are provided in the omnibus appropriations act, which include increases for middle and high school guidance counselors; increases for elementary parent involvement coordinators; increases to the categorical programs for learning assistance, transitional bilingual instruction and highly capable. The class size and staffing provisions of I-1351 scheduled to go into effect on September 1, 2018, are also amended.