Purpose

This bill would create a targeted funding program by appropriating money from Minnesota’s general fund to the Department of Education to support grants for registered special education apprenticeship programs run by intermediate school districts (ISDs). The goal is to strengthen the pipeline of trained personnel in special education by supporting apprentices, mentors, and related program costs.

Main provisions

• Funding and recipients:
  • Total annual appropriation to the Department of Education: $3,000,000 from the general fund.
  • Grants to four intermediate school districts: ISD Nos. 287, 288, 916, and 917, with each receiving $740,000 per year.
• Allowed uses of grant funds:
  • Oversight and administrative costs incurred by an ISD and its partner higher education institution.
  • Stipends and tuition fees for apprentices.
  • Other direct program costs for apprentices.
  • Stipends for teachers serving as mentors.
  • Costs for substitute teachers.
• Administration limits:
  • Up to $40,000 of the appropriation may be used for grant administration, consistent with Minnesota law (Minnesota Statutes section 16B.98 subdivision 14).

Significant changes to existing law

• Establishes a dedicated funding stream within the Department of Education to support registered special education apprenticeship programs through designated ISDs and their higher education partners.
• Specifies exact grant amounts ($740,000 per year per district) and allowable uses (including mentor stipends and substitute teacher costs), creating a structured framework for funding and program delivery.

Implementation details

• Administration and distribution: Funds are appropriated to the Department of Education and distributed to the four specified intermediate school districts.
• Eligible costs: The bill enumerates specific categories of eligible program costs, ensuring funds cover both apprentice needs and program infrastructure.

Relevant changes are focused on creating or expanding a state-funded apprenticeship pathway in special education, with clear financial allocations and permitted uses to support apprentices, mentors, and related program activities.

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Relevant Terms - Department of Education - general fund - grants - intermediate school districts (ISDs) - registered special education apprenticeship programs - partner higher education institution - stipends - tuition fees - administrative costs - program oversight - substitute teachers - grant administration - Minnesota Statutes section 16B.98 subdivision 14 - ISD Nos. 287, 288, 916, 917