AR HB1433

Each education service cooperative shall be evaluated during the 2012-2013 school year and at least once every five years by an evaluation committee of no more than nine persons.

Evaluations shall assess user satisfaction, service adequacy, local financial support, staff qualifications, and performance and administration effectiveness, with criteria developed collaboratively between the Department of Education and cooperative directors by September 1, 2012.

Cooperatives receive performance ratings at five levels: Level 5 (excellence), Level 4 (exceeding standards), Level 3 (meeting standards), Level 2 (on alert), or Level 1 (in need of immediate improvement).

Evaluation reports shall be filed with the cooperative, constituent school districts, and State Board of Education, with results made available on the cooperative's website.

Education service cooperatives receiving Level 1 ratings for two consecutive years shall have base funding withheld or be placed under Department of Education administration.