HB 7271 Summary

• Establishes the Technical Education and Career System as an independent agency effective July 1, 2019, transitioning it from oversight by the State Board of Education to a standalone entity with its own Executive Director appointed by the Governor.

• Creates a new Technical Education and Career System board of 11 members including employers, educators, and state commissioners to advise the system on vocational, technical, technological, and postsecondary education programs.

• Separates the system's budget into educational and noneducational accounts, designates it as a separate budgeted agency, and prioritizes educational and instructional staffing needs during budget considerations.

• Implements a phased transition with superintendent appointments by the Commissioner of Education until June 30, 2020, then by the Executive Director thereafter with three-year renewable terms.

• Expands program offerings to include postsecondary education and establishes procedures for accepting gifts, grants, and donations to support equipment purchases, teacher hiring, and facility development.