Student support personnel aid authorized to be used for costs of certain licensed special education teachers.

Minnesota House Bill HF3568, introduced on February 23, 2026, proposes allowing funds designated for student support personnel to also cover expenses related to certain licensed special education teachers. This means that schools could use existing student support aid to help pay for these special education teachers, potentially addressing staffing needs in special education programs.

Supporters of HF3568 argue that the bill provides schools with greater flexibility in allocating resources, enabling them to better address the needs of special education students. By allowing student support aid to fund special education teachers, schools may be able to hire more qualified staff, thereby improving educational outcomes for students requiring specialized instruction.

Critics of HF3568 express concern that diverting student support aid to cover special education teacher costs could reduce funding for other essential student support services, such as counseling and mental health programs. They worry that this reallocation might inadvertently neglect the broader support needs of the student population.