AZ SB1015

Establishes a class size reduction and teacher retention program requiring the state board of education to reduce class sizes to between 15-22 pupils per classroom in kindergarten and grades 1-3 in participating school districts.

Allocates $1 million annually from the state general fund beginning in fiscal year 2018-2019, with individual school districts limited to a maximum of $100,000 per fiscal year in grant funding.

Requires the state board of education to adopt rules for school district applications and eligibility, beginning with applications for the 2017-2018 academic year, and to collect information on teacher counts, low-income pupil percentages, and proposed implementation sites.

Mandates annual reports to the governor and legislative leadership detailing program results, teacher satisfaction, retention rates, and academic outcomes including disciplinary improvements, graduation rates, and dropout decreases.

Program automatically terminates on January 1, 2024, unless the 2022 report recommends continuation, with a requirement that grant funds not be used for capital projects.