PUBLIC ED. REFORM FUND USES

Added requirement for departments to consult with Legislative Education Study Committee before approving accountability and evaluation plans, increasing oversight involvement.

Mandated creation of Public Education Reform Fund as a nonreverting fund with specific purposes for implementing and evaluating public education reforms.

Required detailed accountability plans including goals, objectives, expected outcomes, evidence-based status, performance measures, and evaluation methodologies.

Added requirement to consider evaluation results when making recommendations for recurring funding in the final year of appropriations.

Changed deadline for submitting accountability plans from November 30 to July 1 of the year appropriations are made, with potential revisions by September 1.

Updated statute to clarify that fund money is appropriated for implementing and evaluating public education reforms and initiatives.