Sec. 28. (a) For each school year in a state fiscal year beginning after June 30, 2021, a school corporation shall expend an amount for full-time teacher salaries that is not less than an amount equal to forty-five percent (45%) of the state tuition support distributed to the school corporation during the state fiscal year.
(b) If a school corporation determines that the school corporation cannot comply with the requirement under subsection (a) for a particular school year, the school corporation shall apply for a waiver from the department.
(c) The waiver application must include an explanation of the financial challenges, with detailed data, that preclude the school corporation from meeting the requirement under subsection (a) and describe the cost saving measures taken by the school corporation in attempting to meet the requirement in subsection (a). The waiver may also include an explanation of an innovative or efficient approach in delivering instruction that is responsible for the school corporation being unable to meet the requirement under subsection (a).
(d) If, after review, the department determines that the school corporation has exhausted all reasonable efforts in attempting to meet the requirement in subsection (a), the department may grant the school corporation a one (1) year exception from the requirement.
(e) A school corporation that receives a waiver under this section shall work with the department to develop a plan to identify additional cost saving measures and any other steps that may be taken to allow the school corporation to meet the requirement under subsection (a).
(f) A school corporation may not receive more than three (3) waivers under this section.
As added by P.L.165-2021, SEC.156.