Relating to: state aid for consolidated school districts. (FE)

SB 656 amends state aid formulas for consolidated school districts that merge. It creates a temporary higher payment of $2,000 per student for districts consolidating in 2026, 2027, or 2028 during their first year of consolidation, followed by $150 per student for the next four years. For all other consolidations, the standard rate of $150 per student applies for five years (the consolidation year plus four subsequent years). This bill directly affects school districts that merge, particularly those consolidating in the specified years, by altering their state funding for the initial five years post-consolidation.