Senate Amendment to Title I Funding Formula Passed
On July 16, 2015, Senator Burr’s (R-NC) amendment 2247, “As Modified; To amend the allocation of funds under subpart 2 of part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965,” was approved via roll call vote, 59-39.
The 19-page text of the amendment can be found here: SA 2247.
In short, amendment 2247 allows for states with higher concentrations of students living in poverty to receive a greater proportion of Title I money per student. There is also a provision for the amount not to drop precipitously if the proportion of students in poverty decreases, and also a provision allowing the US secretary of education to waive a reduction in funding if there are extenuating circumstances.
If the Senate ESEA reauthorization passes, how this formula change would affect states remains to be seen. Nevertheless, 59 senators voted for it– 41 Republicans, 17 Democrats, and King (Independent).
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