SB1037 Summary

• Creates a kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) agriculture school pilot program to be developed, administered, and overseen by the Department of Career Education in collaboration with the Department of Education.

• Agriculture schools in the pilot program shall be governed by a single seven-member board of directors appointed by the Governor and include a seven-member advisory board with representatives from local agriculture businesses, higher education institutions, and state departments.

• Exempts agriculture schools from certain school district consolidation requirements (§ 6-13-1501(a)(2) and § 6-13-1502) to encourage small rural communities to participate in the pilot program.

• Allows mayors, county judges, or school district boards to apply for an agriculture school, with at least one K-12 agriculture school for grades 7-12 required by the 2015-2016 school year and at least one for grades K-6 by the 2016-2017 school year.

• Agriculture schools may receive funding from the public school fund and other sources as allowed by law and must partner with institutions of higher education to offer dual enrollment, concurrent credit, and industry-based certifications upon graduation.