Purpose

Provide a one-time appropriation from the general fund to support a grant to the Kids In Need Foundation. The goal is to help Minnesota schools reduce absenteeism, increase student engagement and interest in learning, and improve student grades and graduation rates. The funding targets schools with high needs, specifically where at least half of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, with emphasis on low-income students and students of color.

Main provisions

• Amount and recipient: A grant of three million dollars ($3,000,000) is designated for the Kids In Need Foundation to support specified programs and activities in Minnesota.
• Focus of funding: Programs and activities designed to decrease absenteeism, boost school engagement and interest in learning, and improve grades and graduation rates.
• Eligibility focus: The grant is directed to Minnesota schools where 50% or more of enrolled students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, prioritizing low-income students and students of color.

Eligible uses of the grant

• Provide educational supplies to support the Kids In Need Foundation Rural and Indigenous School Equity program.
• Increase access to the Kids In Need Foundation Teacher Resource Center and training facility.
• Enhance volunteer space.
• Support additional supply distributions to teachers and students.

Funding details and administration

• Source: General fund appropriations.
• Fiscal year: A designated fiscal year for the appropriation (one-time, not a continuing appropriation).
• Administration: Notwithstanding a related statute, up to a specified portion of the appropriation may be used for grant administration. The exact percentage is set elsewhere in statute.

Impact and significance

• Purpose alignment: Directs funds to reduce absenteeism, improve engagement, and raise academic outcomes for students in high-need schools.
• Targeted impact: Concentrates resources on low-income students and students of color, with specific programs to expand access to instructional resources and equity initiatives.
• One-time nature: Creates a temporary funding opportunity without establishing a long-term appropriation.

Notable changes to existing law

• Establishes a targeted, one-time grant program administered through the Department of Education for the Kids In Need Foundation, including explicit permission to allocate a portion of the funds to administration as defined by statute.

Relevant Terms Kids In Need Foundation Department of Education general fund grant three million dollars ($3,000,000) fiscal year Minnesota schools free or reduced-price meals low-income students students of color Rural and Indigenous School Equity program Teacher Resource Center training facility volunteer space supply distributions absenteeism school engagement learning grades graduation rates one-time appropriation grant administration Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes section 16B.98 subdivision 14