Whereas, the geographic isolation adjustment is intended to assist those school administrative units in geographically isolated areas of the State by adjusting the school funding formula to take into account such factors as the size of the school, distance from other schools and per pupil expenditures; and

Whereas, in order to determine whether the geographic isolation adjustment is fulfilling the purpose for which it was enacted, it is necessary to study the adjustment; and

Whereas, the study must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order that the study may be completed and a report prepared in time for submission to the next legislative session; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

PART A

Sec. A-1. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

2001-02 2002-03

EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF

General Purpose Aid for

Local Schools

All Other $1,133,600 $1,133,600

Provides funds to fully fund the geographic isolation adjustment.