Senator Win Gatchalian is seeking to broaden the allowable use of the Special Education Fund (SEF) to help local government units improve the delivery and quality of education in their communities.

The senator reiterated his proposal following moves by the Department of Education to optimize the SEF for additional classrooms, better learning materials, and stronger support for teachers and students.

Under the proposed 21st Century School Boards Act (Senate Bill No. 53), the SEF may also be used to cover salaries and wages of teachers, non-teaching personnel, as well as child development workers.

The measure likewise seeks to allow funding for books, learning materials, and information and communication technology packages, as well as the establishment of extension or remedial classes. It also proposes the granting of honoraria and allowances to school personnel for services rendered beyond regular hours.

Gatchalian said expanding the use of the SEF would enable LGUs to further enhance education services in their respective areas.

The bill also mandates Local School Boards to develop policies and programs, with performance to be measured through indicators such as National Achievement Test scores, student participation, and dropout rates.