S.B. 72: COMMITTEE SUMMARY - ACADEMIES FOR COURT-PLACED PUPILS

Senate Bill 72 (as introduced 1-28-97)

Sponsor: Senator Jon Cisky

Date Completed: 10-14-97

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Revised School Code to permit a public school academy to limit enrollment only to pupils placed in that academy by a court, if it were stated in the contract authorizing the academy that it was established specifically for those pupils.

Under the Code, a public school academy may limit admission to pupils who are within a particular age range or grade level or on any other basis that would be legal if used by a school district. An academy, however, may not discriminate in its pupil admissions policies or practices on the basis of intellectual or athletic ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, status as a handicapped person, or any other basis that would be illegal if used by a school district. The bill would create an exception to that prohibition.

MCL 380.504 & 380.514 - Legislative Analyst: L. Arasim

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have an unknown fiscal impact on State and local government. The State fiscal impact of the bill depends on the degree to which it would increase pupil membership and thus State payments for the foundation allowance. Local and intermediate school districts could have reduced costs and lower State revenues if the education of some court-placed students were shifted to a public school academy.

Currently, a public school academy may be formed with a specialized curriculum or structure for juvenile offenders; however, enrollment may not be limited to that group of students. Permitting the limitation on enrollment could expand the use of public school academies for students under the charge of a court.

Students in detention facilities may currently be counted in pupil membership if their education is provided by certified teachers through contract with a local or intermediate school district. Students in the juvenile delinquent residential facilities operated by the Family Independence Agency, however, are educated by that Agency and are not currently counted in pupil membership.

A pupil in a public school academy is eligible to be counted in pupil membership, generating a foundation allowance payment from the State. The foundation allowance for a public school academy is the same as the foundation allowance for the local school district in which the academy is located, but not to exceed $5,962 per pupil in FY 1997-98. The entire foundation allowance for a pupil in a public school academy is paid by the State. Public school academies also are eligible for other categorical funds provided in the State School Aid Act.

- Fiscal Analyst: E. Pratt

S9798\S72SA

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.