B. By fiscal year 2009-10 2008-09 the state share of the total cost of funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12, as described by essential programs and services, must be 55%. Beginning in fiscal year 2005-06 and in each fiscal year until fiscal year 2009-10 2008-09, the state share of essential programs and services described costs must increase toward the 55% level required in fiscal year 2009-10 2008-09.

Beginning in fiscal year 2005-06 and in each fiscal year thereafter, the commissioner shall use the funding level determined in accordance with this section as the basis for a recommended funding level for the state share of the cost of the components of essential programs and services.

Sec. D-33. 20-A MRSA §15671, sub-§§2, 3, 4 and 6, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 660, §1, are amended to read:

2. Per-pupil rate amounts. A per-pupil guarantee rate represents the an amount of funds that is to be made available for each subsidizable pupil. Three per-pupil guarantee amounts must be calculated, reflecting grade level cost differences: one for kindergarten to grade 5, one for grades 6 to 8 and one for grades 9 to 12. These per-pupil guarantees must be modified as appropriate for special student populations. The per-pupil guarantee represents the annual cost of staffing and material resources that are appropriately allocated on a per-pupil basis. Categories of staffing and resources are as follows: Per-pupil rates are determined pursuant to section 15676.

A. School personnel, including regular and special subject teachers, educational technicians, guidance, library, health services, school administration, support or clerical staff and substitute teachers;

B. Supplies and equipment;

C. Specialized services, including professional development, instructional leadership support, student assessment, technology and cocurricular and extracurricular programs; and

D. School administrative unit services, including system administration and operation and maintenance of plant.