Literacy incentive aid program modifications, new literacy aid eligible uses establishment, and appropriation

This bill modifies Minnesota's literacy incentive aid program to expand how funds can be used and adjust aid calculations. It adds seven new eligible uses for literacy aid, including training for teachers (K-3), hiring literacy leads, employing intervention specialists, and covering substitute costs for required training. School districts receiving literacy aid must now use funds to support evidence-based reading instruction aligned with their local literacy plans. The bill also updates formulas for calculating proficiency, growth, basic, English learner, and targeted literacy aid based on student performance and demographic factors like poverty concentration. These changes directly affect Minnesota public school districts serving grades K-4.