Proposal would count more school space in 2025–2026 maintenance calculations

For school year 2025–2026, state calculations would count education space up to 135% of the standard level. The limit applies to education space used in school districts’ routine maintenance and major repair and replacement calculations. For major repair and replacement calculations, closed, nonoperational buildings remain excluded; space used for certified child care, developmental preschool, and cooperative education programs is not excluded under the stated adjustment. The higher limit applies only to school year 2025–2026.

The state would set aside $31.9 million for major maintenance payments and $11.8 million for routine maintenance payments to school districts. The appropriations would go to state agencies to make major and routine maintenance payments to school districts. The money could be used only for the specified payments made necessary by the section 1 amendments. Any unspent, unobligated money would revert on June 30, 2028. The money would be available from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.