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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 27, 2024 04:11 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mark Rozzi |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Combatting the Cost of School Mergers |
| This summer, Antietam Middle Senior High School, a school in my district, experienced a devastating storm that caused 90% of the school to be flooded, with damage so severe that the school is now unusable. As a result of this flooding, students have been relocated into several school buildings and the school district is considering a potential merger with a neighboring school district. Taking on these new students and administrative responsibilities can result in numerous costs for the involved school districts and in these unforeseen and unpreventable circumstances, school districts should be able to receive necessary aid to assist with these costs. My legislation will assist merging school districts by providing funds to offset the increased cost per pupil, as well as any additional administrative needs, for up to five years following a merger. These funds would be assessed through a state study to estimate the costs of merging school districts. It is important that we pass this legislation as a way of assisting school districts during challenging circumstances in which a merger becomes necessary. All students deserve to attend quality schools and should be given a higher level of support during these situations. By providing school districts with these funds, we will be providing for a smooth transition and ensuring that the education of our students remains as undisrupted as possible. Please consider co-sponsoring this important legislation that will assist our school districts and students through challenging circumstances that necessitate a school merger. |
Introduced as HB2172