SB339 Summary

• Establishes a Division of Youth Services Regional High School System for adjudicated youth ages 14-19 who are adjudicated delinquent and either under court jurisdiction or committed to the Division of Youth Services with nonresidential placement.

• Requires operation of between 1-5 regional high schools offering minimum 22-credit curriculum, vocational education (automotive technology, building/computer technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, HVAC, medical professions, welding), career education services, special education, and support services.

• Mandates opening of one pilot regional high school in Marianna, Arkansas beginning in the 2011-2012 school year with transportation provided by the division.

• Allows juveniles to attend under court order, as part of aftercare programs, or probation conditions; permits reenrollment after release from custody; prohibits enrollment while in residential facilities or for extended juvenile jurisdiction offenders.

• Permits retired licensed teachers employed at regional high schools to continue receiving full retirement benefits from the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System while employed; allows regional high schools to operate as conversion charter schools after one year of successful operation.