ENGR. H. B. NO. 1719 Summary

• Directs the State Board of Education to develop an operational efficiency training and evaluation program for school districts, with authority to contract with outside entities for training and cost-saving recommendations.

• Requires school districts to submit information to the State Department of Education as needed for operational evaluations, with all cost savings from implemented efficiencies retained by the district.

• Establishes a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advanced Placement course participation pilot program administered by the State Department of Education, leveraging existing public and private programs.

• Pilot program includes teacher training, equipment purchase, student tutoring, AP test fee subsidies (up to 50%), and monetary awards ($100 per student) for successful AP test completion and teacher performance incentives.

• Effective date: November 1, 2013; State Board of Education authorized to promulgate necessary rules for both programs.