"We know the more resources we can get directly to our classrooms, the better for our students," said Senator Guess. "Although I am a strong believer in local control, the legislature does have a responsibility to ensure wise use of public funds."

Current law requires school districts to spend at least 70 percent of their funds on instruction. SB 57 changes this requirement, requiring at least 75 percent is not spent on administration - and in some cases 90 percent, depending on district size.

"The current one-size fits all approach," says Senator Guess, "leaves some school districts easily making the current requirements and others never being able to reach them."

Senate Bill 57 limits the administrative component funding to 5 percent for correspondence schools, 10 percent for school districts with an average of 401 students per school or more, 15 percent for school districts with an average of 301 to 400 students per school, 20 percent for school districts with an average of 201 to 300 students per school, and to 25 percent for school districts with an average of 200 or fewer students per school.