Allowed uses of student support personnel aid modified for school districts and charter schools with declining enrollment.

HF 1554 modifies how Minnesota school districts and charter schools with declining enrollment can use state aid for student support staff. It allows these schools to use the funds to maintain *existing* positions for counselors, psychologists, nurses, and social workers - rather than only hiring new staff or increasing hours. A district qualifies as "declining enrollment" if its October 1 enrollment from the previous year is lower than enrollment two years prior. This maintenance option applies for four consecutive fiscal years after qualifying. The bill takes effect for funding starting in fiscal year 2026.