Indian School Equalization Formula study

(a) Study required (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and in accordance with paragraph (3), the Secretary, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary and the Director of the Bureau of Indian Education, shall carry out a study relating to updating the Indian School Equalization Formula, including by completing the process of developing alternative methods for the equitable distribution of the Indian School Equalization Formula, with consideration given to the factors described in paragraph (2). (2) Factors described The factors referred to in paragraph (1) are the following: (A) Ensuring that the Indian School Equalization Formula provides sufficient funding to adequately fund Bureau-funded schools, including— (i) schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education; and (ii) tribally controlled schools. (B) The highest rate of basic compensation, which shall be equal to the higher of— (i) the highest quartile or average State-by-State salaries for school teachers, principals, other leadership positions, and all school staff at public schools that are not Bureau-funded schools; and (ii) the rate of basic compensation for teacher and teaching positions in the Department of Defense as determined under the Defense Department Overseas Teachers Pay and Personnel Practices Act (20 U.S.C. 901 et seq.). (3) Requirements In carrying out the study of the Indian School Equalization Formula under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) ensure that an updated Indian School Equalization Formula provides sufficient funding to fully support salaries for school teachers, principals, other leadership positions, and all school staff at a rate commensurate with salaries of non-Bureau of Indian Education teachers, principals, other leadership positions, and all school staff described in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (2)(B); (B) consider the weights or ratios related to— (i) tribally controlled schools; (ii) schools with fewer than 100 students; and (iii) schools located in rural areas; and (C) ensure that, in an updated Indian School Equalization Formula, that Havasupai Elementary School is awarded an additional cost factor of 12.5 Weighted Student Unit (as defined in section 39.2 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)). (b) Report The Secretary, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary and the Director of the Bureau of Indian Education, and in consultation with national organizations representing Indian Tribes and students attending Bureau-funded schools, shall submit to Congress and make publicly available to Indian Tribes a report describing— (1) the adequacy of the Indian School Equalization Formula and the Indian School Equalization Program in fulfilling the needs of Bureau-funded schools and tribally controlled schools; and (2) recommendations for increasing or modifying factors to improve the Indian School Equalization Formula.