SB 694 - This act authorizes state aid reimbursement for approved prekindergarten programs for 3 and 4 year olds.

State aid is provided to districts for 3 and 4 year old students enrolled in approved prekindergarten programs for those students who are eligible for the federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program.

The initial reimbursement rate is $1000 per student per year, and shall increase in proportion to the lesser of the increase in state average per pupil operating costs or state aid apportionment in the second preceding year to the preceding year. Reimbursement for each pupil shall be prorated down uniformly if appropriations are not sufficient to provide all eligible reimbursements at 100% funding level, but the proration factor shall not exceed 1.0.

Unexpended funds shall be held in the Early Child Care and Education Fund, which is created by this act, and shall be used in subsequent years. Interest shall accrue to the fund, and the fund balance is exempted from biennial transfer to General Revenue.

To obtain program approval, a district must submit and get approval of an early childhood care and education plan developed in partnership with child care and education programs in the district.

School districts providing prekindergarten programs may charge an enrollment fee using a sliding scale based upon family income established by the State Board of Education.

The State Board of Education's authority to promulgate rules implementing the program is contingent upon the continuing power of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to review, delay or disapprove and annul a rule.

Beginning on July 1, 2000, unencumbered funds in the Gaming Commission Fund shall be transferred to the Early Child Care and Education Fund and used to fund the prekindergarten program. The amount transferred shall not exceed the current year appropriation for reimbursement of prekindergarten costs under Section 167.260, RSMo.
OTTO FAJEN