NC S764

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

Requires establishment of 4-6 signature career academies at traditional high schools with specialized priority career pathways, partnerships with higher education and industry, and the option for 8th grade students to apply to attend.

Allows Guilford County Schools flexibility to contract with individuals possessing relevant education and training as instructors, subject to criminal history checks, and to reassign current CTE teachers to specialized areas.

Appropriates $1,500,000 from the General Fund for the 2020-2021 fiscal year with intent to appropriate an additional $1,500,000 for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

Program operates for up to six school years beginning with 2020-2021 school year, with Guilford County Schools required to report annually to the Department of Public Instruction and the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on implementation and student completion rates.