AL HB585

Creates the Legislative School Performance Recognition Program within the State Department of Education to reward public schools demonstrating high achievement or improvement in the school grading system.

Eligible schools include those ranked in the top 25 percent of public schools or schools that improve their overall annual ranking by at least one letter grade.

State Superintendent of Education must prescribe program guidelines by December 31, 2013, with implementation contingent on promulgation of rules and the school grading system being in its second year of operation.

Selected schools receive financial awards on a competitive basis, with no more than 20 percent of total appropriations awarded to top 25 percent schools and remaining funds for improving schools; schools cannot qualify under both categories simultaneously.

Award-eligible schools gain flexibility to be exempt from state statutory and regulatory requirements regarding prescribed fund use and categorical spending requirements, except those tied to federal funds.