NC S189

Establishes the Innovative Signature Career Academy Program as a pilot program in Guilford County Schools to reform career and technical education (CTE) and prepare students for high-wage, high-skills careers.

Requires establishment of 4-6 signature career academies at traditional high schools, each with a school-selected priority career pathway, partnerships with higher education and industry, and optional enrollment for eighth-grade students.

Allows Guilford County Schools to contract with individuals having relevant education and training as co-teachers, subject to criminal history checks, in addition to reassigning current CTE teachers to specialized areas.

Appropriates $1,500,000 per fiscal year for the 2019-2021 biennium to Guilford County Schools to implement and operate the program for at least six school years beginning in 2019-2020.

Requires annual reporting to the Department of Public Instruction by June 30 on program implementation, student completion rates, and recommendations, with the Department reporting to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by August 15.