North Dakota school districts have, up to now, been receiving their per-pupil payments from the state on a one-year delay.
It’s based on the previous year’s enrollment.
That's according to a law passed in the 2013 Legislature.
But this year, the Legislature approved a change.
School districts will receive half of what is called “on-time” payments. And that percentage will increase 10 percent per year until the 100 percent on-time level is reached.
"For the big schools that are seeing significant student increases, regular on-time funding is a big deal," said North Dakota School Boards Association executive director Alexis Baxley. "You want to get paid for those kids while they're in the seats."
Baxley said it helps a district attract new teachers, when they need the teachers, versus a one-year delay.
As for the districts that are losing students, Baxley said on-time funding can pose challenges. She said because it is being phased in, it gives the smaller districts time to plan.
