Building the social-emotional competence of prospective educators and their ability to support their students should begin in college coursework. But it requires more than a "one-and-done" approach.

The plan calls for $300 million for building repairs and millions of dollars more for mental health, school safety and security, and free feminine hygiene products in schools. But some GOP lawmakers questioned whether it would force districts already meeting performance goals to spend more and rural districts to merge.

"We were in utter disbelief," Superintendent Carol Birnbohm said. "We thought that perhaps it maybe was a mistake, and when we double-checked that it wasn't a mistake, our disbelief turned into shock and devastation."

Laws on unexcused absences are meant to keep kids safe, but a lack of resources and fear of court have kept districts from completing necessary steps.