The legislature was busy this week as lawmakers announced a “starting point” for a budget deal and education committees met in both chambers. While the House heard an update from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) on student achievement data, the Senate advanced two bills impacting local public schools – S990: Students First Act and S1044: Foundational Mathematics Act.
A key provision in the S990: Students First Act is the creation of a weighted student funding formula work group to study and develop a plan for transitioning North Carolina to a weighted student funding model for K-12 public schools. The work group would include public education finance experts that include representatives from DPI, North Carolina Business Leaders for Education (BEST NC), and other stakeholders.
The bill also directs the group to examine whether the State Education Assistance Authority (SEAA) should assume responsibility for disbursing funds to local school administrative units.
While presenting the bill, Senator Michael Lee (R-New Hanover) said the goal is to determine what a weighted funding formula would look like, increase transparency in the funding system, and ensure student needs are met. Responding to questions about SEAA’s role, Senator Lee clarified the bill does not require the transition but instead examines whether SEAA could distribute funds more efficiently. He added that the study presents an opportunity to innovate how North Carolina funds education.
To help ensure the bill supports local public schools, the NCASA Advocacy team sent a letter to bill sponsors requesting that lawmakers not automatically transition to a weighted funding formula, review the impact of changing position allotments to dollar allotments, and ensure districts do not lose funding under any transition. Access the letter here to view NCASA’s feedback and recommendations.
S1044: Foundational Mathematics Act focuses on implementing high-quality K-8 mathematics instruction. The bill would require mathematics screening assessments and for mathematics success plans to students demonstrating difficulties with math skills. Primary sponsor Senator Kevin Corbin (R-Macon) said the bill is intended to address gaps in math proficiency.
Senator Sophia Chitlik (D-Durham) voiced support for the bill while noting concerns about whether districts can afford high-quality instructional materials under current allotment levels. Senator Corbin said sponsors would consider the funding gap as the bill advances.