CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

PROGRAM SEAT ALLOCATION

House Bill 6291 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Pamela Hornberger

Committee:  Education Reform

Complete to 9-5-18

SUMMARY:

House Bill 6291 would amend Part 7 of the Revised School Code, which prescribes the powers and responsibilities of intermediate school districts (ISDs).

Public Act 45 of 2007 (Senate Bill 188)[1] required that an area Career and Technical Education (CTE) program allow participation by charter school and nonpublic school students to the same extent as to students of constituent districts. 

The bill would add that an area CTE program could not require participation in other services or programs through the ISD as a prerequisite for participation in the program or for seat or slot allocation.

The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.

MCL 380.684

BACKGROUND:

The bill is understood as an attempt to clarify statutory language as it applies to slot allocation for CTE programs at St. Clair County RESA (Regional Educational Service Agency, an equivalent designation used by some ISDs). 

Recently, Landmark Academy, a public school academy (PSA, or charter school) in the St. Clair County RESA submitted a complaint to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), alleging that RESA first allocates slots to fully participating constituent districts that purchase additional services from RESA before allowing Landmark students to enroll in any remaining slots. 

RESA reportedly did not dispute the claim, but argued that this practice complied with the statute, as Landmark had the same opportunity to become a fully participating constituent district.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or local units of government.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Jenny McInerney

                                                                                               Fiscal Analysts:   Samuel Christensen

                                                                                                                           Jacqueline Mullen

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.

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