NC S1250

Appropriates $6,024,091 in recurring General Fund dollars to the Department of Public Instruction for fiscal year 2010-2011 to support Communities in Schools of North Carolina, Inc. programs and services.

Requires placement of at least 100 graduation coaches in middle or high schools, prioritizing schools with four-year cohort graduation rates below 60% or performance composite scores below 50%.

Graduation coaches shall identify at-risk students, coordinate academic support, refer students to counselors and social workers, recruit mentors and tutors, contact parents about academic progress, and provide information on graduation requirements and higher education opportunities.

Graduation coaches shall refer students needing services related to substance abuse, domestic violence, family planning, or mental health to appropriate providers.

Requires Communities in Schools of North Carolina, Inc. to report on graduation coach activities to the Joint Legislative Commission on Dropout Prevention and High School Graduation and the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by October 15, 2011, and annually thereafter.