Allowance provisions change for focus and magnet schools and programs

Senators passed a bill April 20 that allows multiple-member school districts to collaborate on focus and magnet schools and programs.

Under LB558, introduced by Omaha Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, a focus or magnet school or program that participates in a diversity plan could be eligible for a focus school and program allowance.

The focus school and program allowance for each school district in a learning community must equal the sum of the allowances calculated and operated by the school district for the fiscal year that aid is being calculated.

The bill also requires multiple-member school districts collaborating on a focus or magnet school or program to form a joint entity to assign legal, financial and academic responsibilities as well as assign students who reside in nonparticipating school districts to districts that participate in such schools or programs.

The bill was passed on a 42-0 vote.