Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the State Board of Education and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

HB 2002 appropriates $4.16 billion for Missouri's public schools through the School Foundation Program, plus additional funding for administrative services, transportation, small schools, and pre-kindergarten grants, for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The bill directs specific amounts from state funds like General Revenue and Lottery Proceeds to cover these expenses, including $70,000 in refunds and $6.44 million for the Summer EBT program. It includes provisions allowing limited budget flexibility (e.g., 3% for administrative costs) and clarifies that one-time funds do not increase future annual appropriations. This bill directly affects the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, public school districts, and child care facilities receiving pre-kindergarten grants.