SB 1552 Summary

• Amends the Arizona Teachers Academy to expand eligibility beyond universities under the Arizona Board of Regents to include community colleges offering postbaccalaureate teacher certification programs.

• Establishes the Arizona Teachers Academy Fund with continuous appropriations for scholarships (up to $5,000 annually for university students, $3,000 for community college students for maximum of 2-4 years), induction services, and administrative costs capped at 3% annually.

• Requires scholarship recipients to teach one school year in Arizona public schools for each year of aid received, with reimbursement obligations for non-completion, and establishes a deferral process for students unable to fulfill service requirements.

• Adds reporting requirements for the Arizona Board of Regents to provide annual reports on academy enrollment, completion rates, graduate employment, induction services, and fund distribution methodology by March 1 and September 1 each year.

• Modifies university revenue retention policies and reduces the required state match for community college student financial aid surcharges for fiscal year 2019-2020, making state aid amounts subject to the general appropriations act.