S.Amdt. 6572

SA 6572 is an amendment proposed by Mr. HEINRICH and Mr. Gallego to be added to bill S. 4784. It aims to add a new section focused on the Indian School Equalization Formula.

The amendment seeks to change the bill by requiring studies to address the following:

• Resource Needs: Studying the resources and funding Bureau-funded schools and the Bureau of Indian Education need to provide high-quality education and competitive salaries and benefits to recruit and retain staff.
• Revenue Sources: Identifying potential revenue sources to bring Bureau of Indian Education funding, resources, and salaries into parity with other school systems.
• Formula Update: Requiring the Secretary, with coordination from the Assistant Secretary and the Director of the Bureau of Indian Education, to study updating the Indian School Equalization Formula. This includes developing alternative methods for equitable distribution and considering factors such as:
  • Ensuring sufficient funding for Bureau-funded schools and tribally controlled schools.
  • Setting the highest rate of basic compensation based on the higher of either the average/highest quartile of non-Bureau-funded public school salaries or the compensation rates for Department of Defense teacher positions.
  • Considering ratios for rural schools, schools with fewer than 100 students, and tribally controlled schools.
  • Ensuring Havasupai Elementary School is awarded an additional cost factor of 12.5 Weighted Student Unit.

The amendment also requires a report to be submitted to Congress and made public for Indian Tribes. This report must describe the adequacy of the Indian School Equalization Formula and Program and provide recommendations for improvements.