SB 416

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Requires that the distressed unit appeal board (DUAB) hold a public hearing on the Gary Community School Corporation's current status as a distressed unit before December 31, 2022. Establishes the distressed political subdivision school improvement fund (fund). Provides that DUAB administers the fund. Provides that the following amount of money withheld from the distribution of state tuition support for common school fund obligations of a school corporation that has been designated a distressed political subdivision must be deposited in the fund: (1) For state fiscal years 2021 through 2023, 100% of the money that the state board of finance withholds from the distribution of state tuition support. (2) For state fiscal years 2024 through 2026, 75% of the money that the state board of finance withholds from the distribution of state tuition support. (3) For state fiscal years 2027 through 2030, 50% of the money that the state board of finance withholds from the distribution of state tuition support. Provides that the deposit of withheld state tuition support amounts into the fund ends July 1, 2030. Requires the state board of finance to extend the term of the common school fund obligations to account for the deposits into the fund. Provides that a school corporation that has been designated as a distressed political subdivision may submit a request to DUAB for money from the fund for projects approved by the DUAB after recommendations from the mayor of the city in which the school corporation is located. Provides that the governing body of a school corporation may enter into a public-private agreement for the construction of new school buildings after review of the agreement by the budget committee. Provides that, if the Gary community school corporation sells real property, a building, or other structure owned by the school corporation, the proceeds from the sale must be deposited into the fund.