Senator Scheidley promotes North Dakota's school transportation funding reform bill

The North Dakota Senate has taken a significant step towards reforming school transportation funding with the passage of House Bill 12-14, which aims to establish a more equitable reimbursement system for school districts. During the Senate Floor Session on April 11, 2025, the bill was amended to reduce its fiscal impact from $10 million to $2 million, a change that was welcomed by lawmakers.

Senator Scheibler, who presented the bill, emphasized that House Bill 12-14 introduces a per pupil funding factor, moving away from the outdated block grant system that has proven inefficient for many districts. This new model will ensure that transportation reimbursements are based on actual student needs rather than a fixed amount, addressing disparities caused by variations in district size, geography, and student population.

The bill's development was informed by extensive research conducted by the school funding task force and input from education focus groups, highlighting the challenges districts face in managing transportation costs. By adopting this data-driven approach, the legislation aims to allocate resources more effectively, promoting fairness and efficiency across North Dakota's school districts.

While the bill is designed to improve funding equity, Senator Scheibler clarified that it is not intended to result in a significant increase in overall transportation appropriations. The Senate's approval of the amendment and the bill marks a crucial advancement in addressing the transportation needs of students statewide, setting the stage for a more responsive and fair funding system in North Dakota's education landscape.