HB2640 Summary

• Replaces the previous alternative education system with a three-tiered approach consisting of Academy Programs, Specialty Programs, and Targeted Support Services, effective in the 2014-2015 school year.

• Academy Programs and Specialty Programs serve at-risk students in grades 9-12, with Specialty Programs providing intensive support for students facing extreme circumstances such as pregnancy, medical conditions, substance abuse, or involvement with juvenile justice systems.

• Requires all school districts offering high schools to implement at least one Academy Program or Specialty Program, with minimum funding of $8,000 per program annually and teacher compensation including a 5% salary increment.

• Establishes Targeted Support Services for at-risk students in grades K-12 within traditional school settings, funded through existing State Aid, reading remediation, or other district sources rather than alternative education funds.

• Deletes outdated requirements for needs assessments and annual plans, repeals previous grant and teacher payment provisions, and authorizes competitive Alternative Approaches Incentive Grants for high-quality programs meeting specified criteria.