Building Assets, Reducing Risks Center funding provision and appropriation

This bill appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2026 and $10 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Education for the Building Assets, Reducing Risks (BARR) Center. The funds will support an evidence-based program delivered to at least 40 qualifying schools, prioritizing geographic balance (urban, suburban, rural) and schools serving high concentrations of students in poverty or from underrepresented racial groups (including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities). The program must provide school coaching, professional development, and resources over three years to improve student social-emotional skills, academic achievement for marginalized students, teacher effectiveness, and high school graduation rates. The BARR Center must apply for the grants through the commissioner of education, with funds available until June 2028 (2026 appropriation) and June 2029 (2027 appropriation).