HB 14-1204 Summary

• Small rural school districts (fewer than 1,200 students and determined by the Department to be rural based on geographic size and distance from urbanized areas) may submit district performance plans every two years instead of annually, provided they maintain accredited or accredited with distinction status.

• Public schools in small rural school districts may adopt school performance plans every two years rather than annually, as long as the State Board requires performance plans for those schools.

• Small rural school districts with fewer than 1,200 students may submit a single combined plan satisfying both district and school plan requirements, provided all schools included in the plan are authorized to submit plans every two years and the plan meets all state and federal requirements.

• Small rural school districts may purchase literacy specialist services from boards of cooperative services to provide educator professional development in literacy, using early literacy intervention funds.

• Boards of cooperative services may apply for early literacy grants to provide instructional support in literacy for their member small rural school districts, with the department considering the number of affected districts, student enrollment, and available resources when evaluating grant applications.