Chronic absenteeism reduction personnel aid funding from school districts and charter schools authorization

Minnesota Senate Bill 474 authorizes Minnesota school districts and charter schools to use existing student support personnel aid funds to hire staff specifically focused on reducing chronic absenteeism. The bill defines "student support services personnel" to include both licensed professionals (like counselors and nurses) and non-licensed staff whose primary role is addressing absenteeism. Schools can use these funds to create new positions, increase part-time roles, or make temporary positions permanent - particularly those initially funded by federal pandemic relief acts. This change, effective for fiscal year 2025, allows schools to directly address attendance issues using state education aid without new funding.