‘Resolve, To Improve the Essential Programs and Services Funding Formula’

‘Sec. 1. Review of limited English proficiency cost component. Resolved: That, notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 15686-A, subsection 2, the Commissioner of Education shall conduct a fiscal and program review of the costs reported by school administrative units that receive a portion of their total operating allocation for limited English proficiency students. The purpose of this review is to develop clear and transparent procedures for collecting and reporting valid and reliable data on the costs of providing services to limited English proficiency students through programs approved by the Department of Education pursuant to Title 20-A, section 15675, subsection 1. Funding for this review must be included in the contract for updating essential programs and services components pursuant to Title 20-A, section 15689-A, subsection 3; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That, no later than January 31, 2009, the Commissioner of Education shall submit a report that includes findings and recommendations pursuant to section 1, including any necessary suggested legislation to implement clear and transparent procedures for collecting and reporting valid and reliable data on the costs of providing services to limited English proficiency students, for presentation to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and cultural affairs.’