The old, fixed reimbursement rates have been eliminated. New reimbursement rates established for each town are based on equalized property valuations, per capita income, and the percentage of low-income students in the district. These rates will be updated annually. The automatic ninety percent reimbursement rate for approved racial desegregation projects has been eliminated. For the next five years, districts with approved desegregation plans will have ten points added to their reimbursement rate, and for the five years following that, five points will be added.
Districts can now receive reimbursement for more cost effective alternatives to construction.
Examples include leasing space, entering into tuition agreements with neighboring districts, or utilizing modular classrooms on a temporary basis. Beginning in FY2001, major repair projects, including replacement of roofs, mechanical systems or windows, will again be eligible for state funding. Work required to meet building code or accessibility requirements, to improve energy efficiency or to remedy structural or environmental safety hazards will also qualify. The reform legislation encourages the re-use and expansion of existing buildings, minimizing the need to take open space for the construction of new school buildings. Although the space standards in the SBA regulations have not yet been changed, they are under review.