Allowed uses of student support personnel aid clarification

SF 1837 clarifies how Minnesota school districts can use state funds for student support personnel (like counselors, psychologists, and nurses). It specifies that these funds can be used to hire new staff, increase part-time positions, make temporary pandemic-related hires permanent, or pay for contracted services from licensed professionals if new hires aren't possible. The bill also allows districts to maintain existing support positions if they provide assurance they would otherwise be eliminated. This applies to school districts, charter schools, and cooperative education units using state aid for student support services. The changes take effect for fiscal year 2025 and later.