INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric Holcomb signed into law Senate Bill 2 Thursday that redefines what constitutes a “virtual student” and ensures schools receive full funding for all students, regardless of whether they are receiving instruction virtually or in the classroom due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The bill was authored by Senator Jeff Raatz, Senator Brian Buchanan, and Senator Dennis Kruse.
A twice-yearly count of students attending schools is used to determine how much money the state allots to each facility. Through the end of the spring 2021 semester, students will not be counted as “virtual” in the most recent fall and spring counts, even if most or all of their learning takes place online.
Without that change, an estimated $160 million would be on the line for schools using hybrid formats or offering instruction online only as a means to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19.
The current state law caps per-pupil funding for students who take at least half their classes virtually at 85 percent of full in-person student funding.
