A.R.S. § 15-344.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 344.01
15-344.01 Diabetes management; policies and procedures; emergency administration of glucagon; voluntary diabetes care assistants; standing orders for glucagon; civil immunity
Status: in_force

15-344.01. Diabetes management; policies and procedures; emergency administration of glucagon; voluntary diabetes care assistants; standing orders for glucagon; civil immunity

A. The school district governing board and the charter school governing body may adopt policies and procedures for pupils who have been diagnosed with diabetes by a health professional who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, 14, 17 or 25 or a nurse practitioner who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15 to manage their diabetes in the classroom, on school grounds and at school-sponsored activities as authorized by the primary health professional who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, 14, 17 or 25, nurse practitioner who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15 or pharmacist who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 18 and who is practicing pursuant to section 32-1970.  If a school district or charter school follows the policies and procedures adopted pursuant to this section, the employees of the school district or charter school and members of the school district governing board or charter school governing body are immune from civil liability with respect to the actions taken to adopt policies and procedures pursuant to this section and all decisions made and actions taken that are based on good faith compliance with policies and procedures adopted pursuant to this section.

B. If a school district governing board or charter school governing body adopts policies and procedures pursuant to subsection A of this section, the policies and procedures shall include the following components:

1. The parent or guardian shall annually submit a diabetes medical management plan to the pupil's school that authorizes the pupil to carry appropriate medications and monitoring equipment and that acknowledges that the pupil is capable of self-administration of those medications and equipment.  The diabetes medical management plan provided by the parent or guardian shall be signed by a health professional who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, 14, 17 or 25, a nurse practitioner who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15 or a pharmacist who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 18 and who is practicing pursuant to section 32-1970, and shall state that the pupil is capable of self-monitoring blood glucose and shall list the medications, monitoring equipment and nutritional needs that are medically appropriate for the pupil to self-administer and that have been prescribed or authorized for that pupil.

2. A requirement that the pupil be able to practice proper safety precautions for handling and disposing of the equipment and medications that the pupil is authorized to use pursuant to this subsection. The pupil's diabetes medical management plan shall specify a method to dispose of equipment and medications in a manner agreed on by the parent or guardian and the school.

3. Procedures that enable the school district or charter school to withdraw a pupil's authorization to monitor blood glucose and self-administer diabetes medication pursuant to this subsection if the pupil does not practice proper safety precautions as provided in paragraph 2 of this subsection.

4. A requirement that any medication administration services specified in the child's diabetes medical management plan shall be provided.

C. In addition to the policies and procedures adopted pursuant to subsections A and B of this section, the school district governing board and the charter school governing body may adopt policies and procedures to designate two or more school employees to serve as voluntary diabetes care assistants. The parent or guardian shall have final approval of the voluntary diabetes care assistants.  Voluntary diabetes care assistants are allowed to administer insulin, assist the pupil with self-administration of insulin, administer glucagon in an emergency situation to a pupil or perform any combination of these actions if all of the following conditions exist:

1. A school nurse or another health professional who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, 14, 17 or 25, a nurse practitioner who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15 or a pharmacist who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 18 and who is practicing pursuant to section 32-1970 is not immediately available to attend to the pupil at the time of the emergency.

2. If the voluntary diabetes care assistant is authorized to administer glucagon, either:

(a) The parent or guardian of the pupil has provided to the school an unexpired glucagon kit for the school year that is prescribed for that pupil by a health professional who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, 14, 17 or 25, a nurse practitioner who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15 or a pharmacist who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 18 and who is practicing pursuant to section 32-1970.

(b) The school district or charter school has obtained glucagon pursuant to a standing order as provided in subsection E of this section.

3. The voluntary diabetes care assistant has provided to the school a written statement signed by a health professional who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, 14, 15, 17, 18 or 25 attesting that the voluntary diabetes care assistant has received proper training in administering glucagon.

4. If the voluntary diabetes care assistant is authorized to administer insulin, the parent or guardian of the pupil has provided insulin and all equipment and supplies that are necessary for insulin administration by voluntary diabetes care assistants.

5. Notwithstanding any other law, the training provided by a health professional who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, 14, 15, 17, 18 or 25 includes all of the following:

(a) An overview of all types of diabetes.

(b) The symptoms and treatment of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

(c) Techniques for determining the proper dose of insulin in a specific situation based on instructions provided in the orders submitted by the pupil's physician.

(d) Techniques for recognizing the symptoms that require the administration of glucagon.

(e) Techniques on administering glucagon.

D. A school district or charter school employee is not subject to any penalty or disciplinary action for refusing to serve as a voluntary diabetes care assistant pursuant to this section.

E. A school district governing board or a charter school governing body may annually request a standing order for glucagon from the chief medical officer of the department of health services, the chief medical officer of a county health department, a physician who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13 or 17, a nurse practitioner who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15 or a physician assistant who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 25.  If a school district governing board or charter school governing body obtains a standing order pursuant to this subsection, the school may stock one or more doses of glucagon at school sites for emergency administration to a pupil by a school nurse, a nurse who is under contract with the school district or charter school, a physician who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, 14 or 17, a nurse practitioner who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15, a physician assistant who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 25 or a voluntary diabetes care assistant who is designated pursuant to subsection C of this section. A school district or charter school may accept monetary donations for or apply for grants to purchase glucagon or may participate in third-party programs to obtain glucagon at no cost, at a fair market price or at a reduced price.

F. Each employee or contractor of the school district or charter school that implements a diabetes medical management plan, or part of a diabetes medical management plan, pursuant to this section shall provide to the school a written statement signed by a health professional who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, 14, 15, 17, 18 or 25 attesting that the employee or contractor has received proper training in administering glucagon as described in subsection C, paragraph 5 of this section.  The training requirements prescribed in this section must be renewed at regular intervals prescribed by the school district governing board or charter school governing body. For the purposes of this subsection, "employee or contractor" includes any individual listed in subsection E of this section who may administer glucagon to a pupil during an emergency.

G. School districts, charter schools, employees of a school district or a charter school, the chief medical officer of the department of health services, chief medical officers of county health departments, physicians who are licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, 14 or 17, nurse practitioners who are licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15, physician assistants who are licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 25, pharmacists who are licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 18 and who are practicing pursuant to section 32-1970 and volunteer health professionals who train voluntary diabetes care assistants pursuant to subsection C of this section are immune from civil liability for the consequences of the good faith adoption and implementation of policies and procedures pursuant to this section.
A.R.S. § 15-1872 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 14 / Article 7 / Section 1872
15-1872 AZ529, Arizona's education savings plan; state board of investment; rules; powers and duties
Status: in_force

15-1872. AZ529, Arizona's education savings plan; state board of investment; rules; powers and duties

A. The board shall approve financial institutions to act as the depositories and managers of AZ529, Arizona's education savings plan accounts pursuant to section 15-1874.

B. The board may adopt rules to assist in implementing and administering this article.

C. Members of the board are immune from personal liability with respect to all actions that are taken in good faith and within the scope of the board's authority.
A.R.S. § 15-947.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 9 / Article 3 / Section 947.01
15-947.01 Revenue control limit; general budget limit; total capital budget limit for career technical education districts
Status: in_force

15-947.01. Revenue control limit; general budget limit; total capital budget limit for career technical education districts

A. The revenue control limit for a career technical education district is equal to the base support level determined in section 15-943.02.

B. The general budget limit for each career technical education district, for each fiscal year, is the sum of the following:

1. The revenue control limit for the budget year.

2. District additional assistance for the budget year.

3. Tuition revenues for attendance of nonresident pupils.

4. Title VIII of the elementary and secondary education act of 1965 assistance determined for children with disabilities, children with specific learning disabilities and children residing on Indian lands as provided in section 15-905, subsections K and O.

5. Expenditures for excess utility costs as provided in section 15-910.

C. The unrestricted capital budget limit for each career technical education district for the budget year is as provided in section 15-947, subsection D.
A.R.S. § 15-1225 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 10 / Article 8 / Section 1225
15-1225 Postemployment benefits; trust accounts; actuarial report
Status: in_force

15-1225. Postemployment benefits; trust accounts; actuarial report

A. If the governing board offers postemployment benefits to school district employees or to spouses and dependents of school district employees, or both, monies to fund these benefits may be deposited in an other postemployment benefits fund or an other postemployment benefits trust account, or both. Additional monies shall not be legislatively appropriated specifically to provide any postemployment benefits offered by a governing board.

B. An other postemployment benefits fund is a cash controlled fund as provided in section 15-905, subsection N. The monies in the other postemployment benefits fund are not subject to reversion, except that at the end of five years of no activity in the fund, any remaining monies shall revert to the maintenance and operations fund.

C. An other postemployment benefits trust account established pursuant to subsection A of this section shall meet all of the following conditions:

1. Contributions made by the school district into the trust account are irrevocable.

2. The assets of the trust account shall be dedicated to providing benefits to school district retirees and their beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of the postemployment benefits plan.

3. Trust assets shall be legally protected from creditors of the school district or the investment manager pursuant to subsection F of this section.

D. Current or prior year postemployment benefits liabilities may be paid from any school district fund from which a school district may pay employee benefits into the other postemployment benefits fund or trust account.  Payments for current or prior year liabilities paid into the other postemployment benefits fund or trust account shall be treated as an expenditure from the originating school district fund.

E. The following expenditures may be made from an other postemployment benefits fund or an other postemployment benefits trust account:

1. Administrative and management costs.

2. Payment of benefits.

F. An investment manager for an other postemployment benefits trust account established pursuant to subsection A of this section shall be either:

1. A qualified investment manager appointed by the district governing board.

2. The manager of a public agency pool established pursuant to section 11-952.01.

G. The investment manager for an other postemployment benefits trust account may invest and reinvest the monies in the account and may hold, purchase, sell, assign, transfer and dispose of any of the securities and investments in which any of the trust account monies are invested. The investment manager shall invest the monies in the trust account in the same manner as the monies in the permanent state land fund pursuant to section 35-314.01, except that not more than thirty per cent of the monies in the trust account may be invested in equity securities at any time. The percentage of investment shall be calculated at cost.

H. If applicable, each school district shall submit on or before September 1, 2009 to the joint legislative budget committee the most recent actuarial study of the school district's existing other postemployment benefits offered by the school district and any prospective other postemployment benefits contemplated to be offered by the school district, including an analysis of defined contribution plans and defined benefits plans if appropriate and if the defined contribution or defined benefit plans are used to administer any other postemployment benefit.  Each time a school district conducts a new actuarial study of the school district's existing or prospective other postemployment benefits, the school district shall submit the new study to the joint legislative budget committee within thirty days of the completion of the study.

I. For the purposes of this section, postemployment benefits do not include benefits provided by the Arizona state retirement system.
A.R.S. § 15-731 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 731
15-731 Definitions
Status: in_force

15-731. Definitions

In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Accessible electronic file" means, until a national file format is adopted by the United States department of education, a digital file in a mutually agreed on by the publisher and the local educational agency electronic file format that has been prepared using a markup language that maintains the structural integrity of the information and can be processed by conversion software.  If a national file format is adopted by the United States department of education, accessible electronic file means an electronic file conforming to the specifications of the national file format adopted by the United States department of education.

2. " Authorized entity" means an authorized entity, as defined by 17 United States Code section 121, that commonly provides alternative format school materials that are accessible by schools in this state and that has the vendor’s authorization to make alternative formats.

3. "Child with a disability" means a pupil who is subject to an individualized education program pursuant to the individuals with disabilities education act (20 United States Code sections 1400 through 1415) or a pupil with a section 504 plan, and whose section 504 accommodation plan requires the use of instructional materials in a specialized format.

4. "Individualized education program" has the same meaning prescribed in 20 United States Code sections 1401 and 1412.

5. "Nonprinted  instructional  materials"  means nonprinted textbooks or digital content, or both, and related core materials, including those that require the availability of electronic equipment in order to be used as a learning resource, that are written and published primarily for use in elementary school and secondary school instruction and that are required by a state educational agency or a local educational agency for use by pupils in the classroom.  These materials shall be available to the extent technologically available and may include software programs and internet based materials.

6. "Printed instructional materials" means textbooks or digital content, or both, and related printed core materials that are written and published primarily for use in elementary school and secondary school instruction and that are required by a state educational agency or a local educational agency for use by pupils in the classroom.

7. "Section 504 plan" means a written statement developed for a pupil with a disability that includes the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services, including assistive technology, that is designed to meet individual educational needs in accordance with 34 Code of Federal Regulations part 104.

8. "Structural integrity" means the structure of all parts of the printed instructional material is kept intact to the extent feasible and as mutually agreed on by the publisher and the local educational agency.  If a national file format is adopted by the United States department of education, the national file format’s technical specifications for structural integrity are required in the accessible electronic file.

9. "Vendor" means a person or entity that offers printed or nonprinted instructional materials for commercial sale to a school district and other public schools.
A.R.S. § 15-2301 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 18 / Article 1 / Section 2301
15-2301 Hazing prevention policies; definitions
Status: in_force

15-2301. Hazing prevention policies; definitions

A. Every public educational institution in this state shall adopt, post and enforce a hazing prevention policy.  The hazing prevention policy shall be printed in every student handbook for distribution to parents and students.  Each hazing prevention policy shall include:

1. A definition of hazing pursuant to subsection C, paragraph 2 of this section.

2. A statement that hazing is prohibited.

3. A statement that any solicitation to engage in hazing is prohibited.

4. A statement that aiding and abetting another person who is engaged in hazing is prohibited.

5. A statement that it is not a defense to a violation of the hazing prevention policy if the hazing victim consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.

6. A statement that all students, teachers and staff shall take reasonable measures within the scope of their individual authority to prevent violations of the hazing prevention policy.

7. A description of the procedures for students, teachers and staff to report violations of the hazing prevention policy and the procedures to file a complaint for a violation of the hazing prevention policy.

8. Procedures to investigate reports of violations of the hazing prevention policy and to investigate complaints for a violation of the hazing prevention policy.

9. A description of the circumstances under which a violation of the hazing prevention policy shall be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

10. A description of appropriate penalties, sanctions and appeals mechanisms for persons and organizations that violate the hazing prevention policy. The sanctions shall include the revocation or suspension of an organization's permission to conduct operations at the educational institution if the organization knowingly allowed, authorized or condoned the hazing activity. Any teacher or staff who knowingly allowed, authorized or condoned the hazing activity is subject to disciplinary action by the educational institution.

B. Violations of hazing prevention policies adopted pursuant to this section do not include either of the following:

1. Customary athletic events, contests or competitions that are sponsored by an educational institution.

2. Any activity or conduct that furthers the goals of a legitimate educational curriculum, a legitimate extracurricular program or a legitimate military training program.

C. For purposes of this section:

1. "Educational institution" means any of the following:

(a) A public school that provides instruction to pupils in any combination of kindergarten programs and grades one through twelve.

(b) A public community college or a vocational education program that provides academic instruction or training not exceeding two years' duration in the arts, sciences and humanities beyond the twelfth grade of the public or private high school course of study.

(c) Any public college or university that provides academic instruction beyond the twelfth grade of the public or private high school course of study and that offers any combination of baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degrees to students that complete specified academic requirements.

2. "Hazing" means an act in violation of section 13-1215 or 13-1216.

3. "Organization" means an athletic team, association, order, society, corps, cooperative, club or other similar group that is affiliated with an educational institution and whose membership consists primarily of students enrolled at that educational institution.

4. "Student" means any person who is enrolled at an educational institution, any person who has been promoted or accepted for enrollment at an educational institution or any person who intends to enroll at or be promoted to an educational institution within the next twelve calendar months.  The hazing prevention policy of the educational institution where a person has been accepted for or promoted to enrollment, or where a person intends to enroll or be promoted to within the next twelve calendar months, shall be the effective policy.  A person who meets the definition of a student for purposes of this paragraph shall continue to be defined as a student for purposes of this section until the person graduates, transfers, is promoted or withdraws from the educational institution.
A.R.S. § 15-905.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 905.01
15-905.01 Truth in taxation; calculation; notice and hearing; vote on tax increase
Status: in_force

15-905.01. Truth in taxation; calculation; notice and hearing; vote on tax increase

A. Each school district shall determine its truth in taxation base limit for expenditures as follows:

1. Determine the amounts budgeted in fiscal year 1999-2000 for expenditures in the following categories:

(a) Desegregation pursuant to section 15-910.

(b) Dropout prevention programs.

(c) Career and technical education and vocational education center operations pursuant to section 15-910.01.

(d) Small school adjustments pursuant to section 15-949.

2. The sum of the expenditures in paragraph 1 of this subsection for fiscal year 1999-2000 shall become the truth in taxation base limit.

3. For any year after fiscal year 1999-2000, a school district whose aggregate budgeted expenditures for the expenditures prescribed in paragraph 1 of this subsection exceed the truth in taxation base limit shall publish a truth in taxation hearing notice that meets the requirements of subsection B of this section. If the amount exceeding the previous truth in taxation base limit is approved by the school district governing board following the hearing prescribed in subsection B of this section, the excess amount plus the previous truth in taxation base limit becomes the school district's new truth in taxation base limit.

4. If a school district no longer qualifies for one or more of the expenditures prescribed in paragraph 1 of this subsection, the amount budgeted for the most recent fiscal year in which the school district was eligible for that expenditure shall be deducted from the school district's truth in taxation base limit.

B. For any fiscal year in which a school district governing board budgets an amount that is higher than the truth in taxation base limit calculated pursuant to subsection A of this section, any fiscal year in which a school district levies any amount for adjacent ways pursuant to section 15-995 or any fiscal year in which the school district levies any amount for liabilities in excess of the school district budget pursuant to section 15-907:

1. The school district shall publish a notice that meets the following requirements:

(a) The notice shall be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in the school district. The publication shall be at least ten but not more than twenty days before the date of the hearing.

(b) The notice shall be published in a location other than the classified or legal advertising section of the newspaper in which it is published.

(c) The notice shall be at least one-fourth page in size and shall be surrounded by a solid black border at least one-eighth inch in width.

(d) The notice shall be in the following form, excluding the parenthetical explanations, and with the "truth in taxation hearing - notice of tax increase" headline in at least eighteen-point type:

Truth in Taxation Hearing

Notice of Tax Increase

In compliance with section 15-905.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, _________ school district is notifying its property taxpayers of _________ school district's intention to raise its primary property taxes over the current level to pay for increased expenditures in those areas where the governing board has the authority to increase property taxes for the fiscal year beginning July 1, ____. The _________ school district is proposing an increase in its primary property tax levy of $_________ (amount of levy increase to pay for truth in taxation base increase, the amount of the total levy for the adjacent ways fund and amounts for liabilities in excess of the school district budget pursuant to section 15-907).

The amount proposed above will cause _________ school district's primary property taxes on a $100,000 home to be $_________ (the amount used to pay for the budget year's proposed truth in taxation base limit and adjacent ways levy, including adjacent ways and liabilities in excess of the school district budget [the amount divided by the current net assessed value available February 10 pursuant to section 42-17052] applied to $100,000). Without the tax increase, the total taxes that would be owed would have been $_________ (the amount used to pay for the current year's truth in taxation base limit [the amount divided by the current net assessed value available February 10 pursuant to section 42-17052] applied to $100,000).

These amounts proposed are above the qualifying tax levies as prescribed by state law, if applicable. The increase is also exclusive of any changes that may occur from property tax levies for voter approved bonded indebtedness or budget and tax overrides.

All interested citizens are invited to attend the public hearing on the proposed tax increase scheduled to be held (date and time) at (location).

2. In lieu of publishing the truth in taxation notice, the governing board may mail the truth in taxation notice prescribed by paragraph 1, subdivision (d) of this subsection to all registered voters in the district at least ten but not more than twenty days before the date of the hearing.

3. In addition to publishing the truth in taxation notice under paragraph 1 of this subsection or mailing the notice under paragraph 2 of this subsection, the governing board shall issue a press release containing the truth in taxation notice to all newspapers of general circulation in the school district.

4. The governing board shall consider a motion to levy the increased property taxes by roll call vote.

5. Within three days after the hearing, the governing board shall mail a copy of the truth in taxation notice, a statement of its publication or mailing and the result of the governing board's vote under paragraph 4 of this subsection to the property tax oversight commission established by section 42-17002.

6. The governing board shall hold the truth in taxation hearing on or before the adoption of the school district budget under section 15-905.

7. Expenditures for adjacent ways and liabilities in excess of the school district budget do not become part of the school district's truth in taxation base limit.

C. The department of education shall maintain a listing of each school district's truth in taxation base limit and shall verify the accuracy of the school district's computations. A school district governing board shall notify the department of education of any change in the district's truth in taxation base limit.

D. The department of education shall develop a budget form for school districts to show the primary tax rate associated for each of the expenditure categories mentioned in subsection A, paragraph 1 of this section and for expenditures for adjacent ways pursuant to section 15-995 or any other expenditure in excess of the school district budget pursuant to section 15-907. A school district shall make this information available to the general public at truth in taxation hearings and shall submit the information to the department of education.
A.R.S. § 15-1471 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 12 / Article 4 / Section 1471
15-1471 Expenditure limitations; overrides
Status: in_force

15-1471. Expenditure limitations; overrides

A. A district board, on the approval of a majority of the qualified electors in the district voting at a regularly scheduled election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, may authorize expenditures in excess of the district expenditure limitation prescribed pursuant to article IX, section 21, Constitution of Arizona. The excess expenditures authorized shall be a specified percentage of the expenditure limitation.  The impact of the authorization shall appear on the ballot and in publicity pamphlets in the same manner as prescribed in section 41-563.03.

B. In the resolution requesting the voters to approve expenditures in excess of the district expenditure limitation prescribed pursuant to article IX, section 21, Constitution of Arizona, the district board shall state the number of years in which the authority to expend in excess of the limitation otherwise prescribed is to be in effect. The district board shall not request authority from the voters for a period of less than two years nor more than seven years.

C. Any authorization of expenditures made pursuant to this section shall be used in determining a modified expenditure limitation that is equal to the expenditure limitation prescribed pursuant to article IX, section 21, Constitution of Arizona, increased by the specified percentage, beginning with the fiscal year immediately following the approval of the qualified electors of the district. The district board shall not authorize expenditures in excess of the modified expenditure limitation in subsequent fiscal years unless subsequent approval for additional excess expenditures is received as provided in subsection A of this section.

D. A district board, by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the board, may refer to the voters in the district a permanent change in the base limit used to determine the district expenditure limitation prescribed pursuant to article IX, section 21, Constitution of Arizona.  A permanent change in the base limit may be authorized on the approval of a majority of the qualified electors in the district voting at a regularly scheduled election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.  The impact of the authorization shall appear on the ballot and in publicity pamphlets in the same manner as prescribed in section 41-563.03.

E. In the resolution requesting the voters to approve a permanent change in the base limit used to determine the district expenditure limitation prescribed pursuant to article IX, section 21, Constitution of Arizona, the district board shall state all of the following:

1. The current base limit used to determine the district expenditure limitation.

2. The proposed base limit to be used to determine the district expenditure limitation.

3. The increase in expenditure limitation capacity generated by a change in the base limit for the most recent calculated expenditure limitation.

4. A rationale for the request to authorize a permanent change in the base limit used in the calculation of the expenditure limitation.

F. Any authorization of a permanent change in the base limit pursuant to subsection D of this section shall be used in determining an expenditure limitation prescribed pursuant to article IX, section 21, Constitution of Arizona, beginning with the fiscal year immediately following the approval of the permanent change by the qualified electors of the district.
A.R.S. § 15-533 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 533
15-533 Proficiency examination; examination reciprocity
Status: in_force

15-533. Proficiency examination; examination reciprocity

A. To qualify for a standard teaching certificate, or equivalent certificate later adopted by the state board of education, a person must pass each component of the proficiency examination developed and administered by the state board of education unless otherwise exempted by law. The proficiency examination shall consist of only a professional knowledge test and a subject knowledge test.

B. A person is not required to take any examination pursuant to this section if the person possesses a comparable valid certification from another state and is in good standing with that other state pursuant to section 15-501.01, subsection D.

C. A person who is applying for a standard teaching certificate or any other certificate adopted by the state board of education is not required to take the professional knowledge test, the subject knowledge test or the entire proficiency examination if the person has passed corresponding portions of an examination adopted by a state agency in another state that is similar to the examination adopted by the state board of education. A person who is applying for a standard teaching certificate or any other certificate adopted by the state board of education is not required to take any portion of the proficiency examination if the person has been a full-time teacher or in a full-time school leadership position in any state, including this state, for at least three years in the same area of certification in which the person is applying for certification in this state.

D. An applicant for a standard teaching certificate or any other certificate adopted by the state board of education may demonstrate subject knowledge proficiency instead of taking the subject knowledge test required pursuant to this section by meeting any of the following:

1. Has taught courses relevant to a content area or subject matter for the last two consecutive years and for a total of at least three years at one or more regionally or nationally accredited public or private postsecondary institutions. The person shall demonstrate compliance with this requirement by providing the state board with written proof of employment for specific durations from one or more qualifying postsecondary institutions.

2. Has either a baccalaureate degree, a master's degree or a doctoral degree in a subject area that is relevant to a content area or subject matter taught in public schools.

3. Demonstrates expertise through relevant work experience of at least five years in a field that is relevant to a content area or subject matter taught in public schools. The person shall demonstrate compliance with this requirement by providing the state board with written proof of employment.

E. A person who obtained structured English immersion training in another state that the state board of education determines is comparable to the structured English immersion training required in this state is not required to obtain additional structured English immersion training in this state pursuant to section 15-756.09.

F. The state board of education may grant a standard teaching certificate or any other certificate issued by the board for at least three years to a teacher who has not met the requirements of this section at the time of application.

G. A person is not required to pass the proficiency examination or the equivalent examination more than once. The state board of education may adopt rules to modify the requirements of subsection B or C of this section for persons who have taught, obtained certification or obtained a master's degree in another country.

H. A person who is not required to pass the proficiency examination developed and administered in this state by the state board of education pursuant to this section shall be granted reciprocity for those proficiency examinations required in this state that pertain to the grade levels and content areas that the person is certified to teach in another state.
A.R.S. § 15-701.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 701.01
15-701.01 High schools; graduation; requirements; community college or university courses; transfer from other schools; academic credit; report
Status: in_force

15-701.01. High schools; graduation; requirements; community college or university courses; transfer from other schools; academic credit; report

A. The state board of education shall:

1. Prescribe a minimum course of study that incorporates the academic standards adopted by the state board for the graduation of pupils from high school.

2. Prescribe competency requirements for the graduation of pupils from high school incorporating the academic standards in at least the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies. The academic standards prescribed by the state board in social studies shall include personal finance, American civics education and a comparative discussion of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy that are essential to the founding principles of the United States.  The state board may consider establishing a required separate personal finance course for the purpose of the graduation of pupils from high school. The state board shall require at least one-half of a course credit in economics, which shall include financial literacy and personal financial management.

3. Through the graduating class of 2025, include in the competency requirements for social studies prescribed in paragraph 2 of this subsection a requirement that, in order to graduate from high school or obtain a high school equivalency diploma, a pupil must correctly answer at least sixty of the one hundred questions listed on a test that is identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test used by the United States citizenship and immigration services. Beginning with the graduating class of 2026, the state board shall include in the competency requirements for social studies prescribed in paragraph 2 of this subsection a requirement that, in order to graduate from high school or obtain a high school equivalency diploma, a pupil must correctly answer at least seventy of the one hundred questions listed on a test that is identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test used by the United States citizenship and immigration services.  A district school or charter school shall document on the pupil's transcript only a pass or fail designation that the pupil has passed or failed the test required by this paragraph.  A pupil in grade seven or eight may take the test described in this paragraph, and if the pupil correctly answers at least seventy of the one hundred questions on the test:

(a) The district school or charter school shall document on the pupil's transcript only a pass or fail designation that the pupil has passed or failed the test required by this paragraph.

(b) The pupil is not required to take the test required by this paragraph again in high school.

4. Develop and adopt competency tests pursuant to section 15-741.  English language learners who are subject to article 3.1 of this chapter are subject to the assessments prescribed in section 15-741.

B. The governing board of a school district shall:

1. Prescribe curricula that include the academic standards in the required subject areas pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 1 of this section.

2. Prescribe criteria for the graduation of pupils from the high schools in the school district. These criteria shall include accomplishment of the academic standards in at least reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, as determined by district assessment. Other criteria may include additional measures of academic achievement and attendance. Pursuant to the prescribed graduation requirements adopted by the state board of education, the governing board may approve a rigorous computer science course that would fulfill a mathematics course required for graduation from high school. The governing board may approve a rigorous computer science course only if the rigorous computer science course includes significant mathematics content and the governing board determines the high school where the rigorous computer science course is offered has sufficient capacity, infrastructure and qualified staff, including competent teachers of computer science.  The school district governing board or charter school governing body may determine the method and manner in which to administer a test that is identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test used by the United States citizenship and immigration services.  A pupil who does not obtain a passing score on the test that is identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test may retake the test until the pupil obtains a passing score.

C. The governing board may prescribe the course of study and competency requirements for the graduation of pupils from high school that are in addition to or higher than the course of study and competency requirements that the state board prescribes.

D. The governing board may prescribe competency requirements for the passage of pupils in courses that are required for graduation from high school.

E. A teacher shall determine whether to pass or fail a pupil in a course in high school on the basis of the competency requirements, if any have been prescribed. The governing board, if it reviews the decision of a teacher to pass or fail a pupil in a course in high school as provided in section 15-342, paragraph 11, shall base its decision on the competency requirements, if any have been prescribed.

F. Graduation requirements established by the governing board may be met by a pupil who passes courses in the required or elective subjects at a community college or university, if the course is at a higher level than the course taught in the high school attended by the pupil or, if the course is not taught in the high school, the level of the course is equal to or higher than the level of a high school course. The governing board shall determine whether the subject matter of the community college or university course is appropriate to the specific requirement the pupil intends it to fulfill and whether the level of the community college or university course is less than, equal to or higher than a high school course, and the governing board shall award at least one-half of a Carnegie unit and up to and including one Carnegie unit for each three semester hours of credit that the pupil earns in an appropriate community college or university course. If a pupil is not satisfied with the decision of the governing board regarding the amount of credit granted or the subjects for which credit is granted, the pupil may request that the state board of education review the decision of the governing board, and the state board shall make the final determination of the amount of credit to be given the pupil and for which subjects. The governing board shall not limit the number of credits that is required for high school graduation and that may be met by taking community college or university courses.  For the purposes of this subsection:

1. "Community college" means an educational institution that is operated by a community college district as defined in section 15-1401 or a postsecondary educational institution under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe recognized by the United States department of the interior.

2. "University" means a university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents.

G. A pupil who transfers from a private school shall be provided with a list that indicates those credits that have been accepted and denied by the school district. A pupil may request to take an examination in each particular course in which credit has been denied. The school district shall accept the credit for each particular course in which the pupil takes an examination and receives a passing score on a test designed and evaluated by a teacher in the school district who teaches the subject matter on which the examination is based. In addition to the above requirements, the governing board of a school district may prescribe requirements for the acceptance of the credits of pupils who transfer from a private school.

H. If a pupil who was previously enrolled in a charter school or school district enrolls in a school district in this state, the school district shall accept credits earned by the pupil in courses or instructional programs at the charter school or school district. The governing board of a school district may adopt a policy concerning the application of transfer credits for the purpose of determining whether a credit earned by a pupil who was previously enrolled in a school district or charter school will be assigned as an elective or core credit. A school district or charter school may note the learning outcomes that a student mastered as prescribed in the rules adopted pursuant to section 15-203, subsection A, paragraph 38 to provide a record of the demonstrated competencies and award partial credit.

I. A pupil who transfers credit from a charter school, a school district or Arizona online instruction shall be provided with a list that indicates which credits have been accepted as elective credits and which credits have been accepted as core credits by the school district or charter school. Within ten school days after receiving the list, the pupil may request to take an examination in each particular course in which core credit has been denied. The school district or charter school shall accept the credit as a core credit for each particular course in which the pupil takes an examination and receives a passing score on a test that is aligned to the competency requirements adopted pursuant to this section and that is designed and evaluated by a teacher in the school district or charter school who teaches the subject matter on which the examination is based. If a pupil is enrolled in a school district or charter school and that pupil also participates in Arizona online instruction between May 1 and July 31, the school district or charter school shall not require proof of payment as a condition of the school district or charter school accepting credits earned from the online course provider.

J. The state board of education shall adopt rules to allow high school pupils who can demonstrate competency in a particular academic course or subject to obtain academic credit for the course or subject without enrolling in the course or subject.

K. Pupils who earn a Grand Canyon diploma pursuant to article 6 of this chapter are exempt from the graduation requirements prescribed in this section. Pupils who earn a Grand Canyon diploma are entitled to all the rights and privileges of persons who graduate with a high school diploma issued pursuant to this section, including access to postsecondary scholarships and other forms of student financial aid and access to all forms of postsecondary education.  Notwithstanding any other law, a pupil who is eligible for a Grand Canyon diploma may elect to remain in high school through grade twelve and shall not be prevented from enrolling at a high school after the pupil becomes eligible for a Grand Canyon diploma. A pupil who is eligible for a Grand Canyon diploma and who elects not to pursue one of the options prescribed in section 15-792.03 may only be readmitted to that high school or another high school in this state pursuant to policies adopted by the school district of readmission.

L. Each school district and charter school shall report to the department of education all of the following aggregate data, organized by grade level, relating to the test that is identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test used by the United States citizenship and immigration services required by subsection A, paragraph 3 of this section:

1. The median score.

2. The percentage of pupils who passed by correctly answering the minimum number of questions required to pass the test pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 3 of this section.

3. The percentage of pupils who failed by correctly answering fewer than the minimum number of questions required to pass the test pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 3 of this section.

4. Any other data required by the department relating to the test.

M. A school district or charter school may not include the personally identifiable information of any pupil in the data reported to the department of education under subsection L of this section. The department of education shall make the data publicly available, organized at a minimum by school district or charter school and grade level, on the website that includes the school report cards required by section 15-746.
A.R.S. § 15-980 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 980
15-980 Uncollected property tax; property tax loss; supplemental state aid
Status: in_force

15-980. Uncollected property tax; property tax loss; supplemental state aid

A. A school district is eligible for supplemental state aid pursuant to this section if a county treasurer certifies to the school district after January 1 that, in the treasurer's reasonable belief, more than ten percent of the primary property tax revenues that the school district is entitled by law to receive pursuant to section 42-18052 will not be remitted to the district due to one of the following circumstances:

1. Property tax delinquencies.

2. A loss of property tax revenue resulting from a decrease in assessed valuation due to a natural disaster such as fire or flood.

B. On receiving a certificate pursuant to subsection A of this section, the school district may apply to the department of education for supplemental state aid.  The application shall include the county treasurer's certified estimate of the total amount of uncollected primary property taxes or the amount of lost property tax revenue for the school district for the tax year payable in the current fiscal year.

C. Within forty-five days after receiving a complete and correct application, the state board of education shall pay to the school district from amounts appropriated for state aid the amount determined in subsection B of this section.  The department of education shall notify the county treasurer and the county school superintendent of the amount and the date of the payment of the supplemental state aid.  Supplemental state aid paid under this section shall be excluded from the calculation made pursuant to section 15-973, subsection C.

D. The superintendent of a school district that receives supplemental state aid due to delinquent property taxes pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 1 of this section shall report to the department of education between May 5 and May 25 the actual amount of primary property taxes that was not collected and remitted to the district during the current fiscal year, based on information from the county treasurer. If the amount of supplemental state aid paid pursuant to subsection C of this section exceeds the actual amount of the uncollected primary property taxes that the district is entitled to receive, the state board of education shall deduct the difference between the amount of supplemental state aid paid and the amount of the uncollected primary property taxes from the June 15 and, if necessary, subsequent apportionments of state aid pursuant to section 15-973, subsection B.

E. Beginning on June 1 after the payment of supplemental state aid, the county school superintendent shall report quarterly to the department of education the amount of any payments of delinquent primary property taxes received by the district during the previous quarter with respect to a tax year for which the supplemental state aid was paid and not previously deducted from state aid pursuant to subsection D of this section. The department shall deduct the amount reported from the next apportionment of state aid to the district pursuant to section 15-973, subsection B until the supplemental state aid is repaid.  If the district does not receive any apportionment pursuant to section 15-973, subsection B, the department shall direct the school district superintendent to pay that amount to the state treasurer for deposit in the state general fund.

F. A school district that receives supplemental state aid due to loss of assessed valuation pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 2 of this section may receive supplemental state aid for up to three fiscal years.  The amount of supplemental state aid shall be reduced each year by one-third and any increased property tax revenue due to higher assessed valuation.
A.R.S. § 15-717 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 717
15-717 American history and heritage
Status: in_force

15-717. American history and heritage

A teacher or administrator in any school in this state may read or post in any school building copies or excerpts of the following materials:

1. The national motto "in God we trust".

2. The national anthem.

3. The pledge of allegiance.

4. The preamble to the constitution of this state.

5. The declaration of independence.

6. The mayflower compact.

7. Writings, speeches, documents and proclamations of the founding fathers and the presidents of the United States.

8. Published decisions of the United States supreme court.

9. Acts of the United States Congress.

10. The state motto "Ditat Deus", which means "God enriches".
A.R.S. § 15-1108 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 10 / Article 1 / Section 1108
15-1108 District services fund
Status: in_force

15-1108. District services fund

A. A school district governing board may establish district services programs to provide goods or services, excluding services provided pursuant to section 15-213, to district schools or departments or other school districts and may charge users on a cost reimbursement basis. Revenues from the operation of a district services program shall be transmitted to the county treasurer for deposit in a district services fund. The governing board may employ personnel, purchase supplies and equipment and incur other necessary expenses related to the operation of a district services program. Examples of district services programs include printing and duplicating, data processing and motor pool services.

B. A district services fund shall be accounted for as prescribed in the uniform system of financial records pursuant to chapter 2, article 4 of this title. A school district governing board may advance monies from the maintenance and operation fund into the district services fund to cover start-up costs. Monies in the district services fund are not subject to reversion at the end of the fiscal year. The governing board may direct the county treasurer to establish a separate fund pursuant to this section for each district services program.

C. A school or department may choose not to purchase services from a district services program if the school or department determines that it is more advantageous for the school or department to procure the services from another source.

D. The provisions of this section shall not be utilized to replace services provided to a school district by a private enterprise as defined in section 41-2751.
A.R.S. § 15-788 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 5 / Section 788
15-788 Exemption from certain requirements; exception
Status: in_force

15-788. Exemption from certain requirements; exception

A. Any building, structure, addition or alteration constructed by vocational education students shall be exempt from section 34-201 and title 41, chapter 23 and may be constructed without advertising for bids.  This exemption shall not be construed to permit teaching or nonteaching school personnel to do any construction, building or alteration to a building while under the jurisdiction of a school program without complying with section 34-201 and title 41, chapter 23.

B. All purchases of supplies, materials and equipment for such construction by career and technical education and vocational education students shall follow bidding procedures as established by the state board of education pursuant to section 15-213.
A.R.S. § 15-716 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 716
15-716 Instruction on acquired immune deficiency syndrome; department assistance
Status: in_force

15-716. Instruction on acquired immune deficiency syndrome; department assistance

A. Each common, high and unified school district may provide instruction to pupils in kindergarten programs and grades one through twelve on acquired immune deficiency syndrome and the human immunodeficiency virus.

B. Each school district may develop its own course of study for each grade. At a minimum, instruction shall:

1. Be appropriate to the grade level in which it is offered.

2. Be medically accurate.

3. Promote abstinence.

4. Discourage drug abuse.

5. Dispel myths regarding transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus.

C. At the request of a school district, the department of health services or the department of education shall review instruction materials to determine their medical accuracy.

D. At the request of a school district, the department of education shall provide the following assistance:

1. A suggested course of study.

2. Teacher training.

3. A list of available films and other teaching aids.

E. At the request of a parent, a pupil shall be excused from instruction on the acquired immune deficiency syndrome and the human immunodeficiency virus as provided in subsection A of this section. The school district shall provide a description of the course curriculum to all parents and notify all parents of their ability to withdraw their child from the instruction.
A.R.S. § 15-258 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 2 / Article 3 / Section 258
15-258 State seal of biliteracy program; requirements; diploma
Status: in_force

15-258. State seal of biliteracy program; requirements; diploma

A. The superintendent of public instruction shall establish a state seal of biliteracy program to recognize students who graduate from a school operated by a school district or a charter school located in this state and who have attained a high level of proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English.

B. The superintendent of public instruction shall:

1. Create a state seal of biliteracy, which shall be affixed to the diploma and noted on the transcript of a student to recognize that the student has met the requirements prescribed in this section.

2. Deliver the state seal of biliteracy to each public school district or charter school that participates in the program.

C. Any school district or charter school may voluntarily participate in the state seal of biliteracy program by notifying the superintendent of public instruction of the school district's or charter school's intent to participate in the program.

D. Each school district governing board or charter school governing body that participates in the state seal of biliteracy program shall:

1. Identify the students who have met the requirements to be awarded the state seal of biliteracy.

2. Affix the state seal of biliteracy to the diploma and note the receipt of the state seal of biliteracy on the transcript of each student who meets those requirements.

E. The state board of education, in collaboration with the department of education, shall adopt a list of assessments using research-based methodology to determine a student's proficiency in a language other than English and may adopt rules as necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

F. A school district or charter school that participates in the state seal of biliteracy program established pursuant to this section shall award a student, on graduation from high school, a high school diploma with a state seal of biliteracy if the student meets all of the following requirements:

1. Successfully completes all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average in those classes of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent.

2. Passes an examination in English language arts.

3. Demonstrates proficiency in one or more languages other than English by meeting the requirements adopted pursuant to subsection E of this section.

4. If the student has a primary language other than English, obtains a score of proficient or higher based on the English language proficiency standards, pursuant to section 15-756.
A.R.S. § 15-991 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 9 / Article 6 / Section 991
15-991 Annual estimate by county school superintendent of monies for ensuing year; review and approval by property tax oversight commission
Status: in_force

15-991. Annual estimate by county school superintendent of monies for ensuing year; review and approval by property tax oversight commission

A. The county school superintendent shall recompute the equalization assistance for education for each school district pursuant to section 15-971, subsection A and compute the additional amount to be levied pursuant to section 15-992, subsection B using the property values provided by the county assessor under section 42-17052. The county school superintendent must certify in writing to the property tax oversight commission on or before July 25 of each year the amount of equalization assistance for education and the amount to be levied for each school district from the primary property tax pursuant to section 15-992.

B. The county school superintendent must prepare and file with the governing board of each school district in the county and the property tax oversight commission on or before July 25 of each year a written estimate of the amount of monies required by each school district for the ensuing school year based on the proposed budget adopted by each school district governing board. The estimate shall contain:

1. A statement of the student count of each school district.

2. The additional amounts needed for each school district from the primary property tax and the secondary property tax, as estimated by the county school superintendent. The county school superintendent shall certify those amounts to the board of supervisors and the property tax oversight commission in writing at the time of filing the estimate.

3. The calculation of the amount to be levied as prescribed by section 15-992 using the values provided by the county assessor under section 42-17052.

C. The property tax oversight commission must review the primary property tax calculations filed under subsection B, paragraph  3 of this section.

D. The county school superintendent must file in writing with the county board of supervisors and the property tax oversight commission on or before the third Monday in August of each year the amount that is required to be levied for each school district from both the primary property tax prescribed by section 15-992 and the secondary property tax.

E. On or before September 1, the governing board of a school district shall file with the county school superintendent an estimate of the amount of title VIII of the elementary and secondary education act of 1965 monies it is eligible to receive during the current year. On or before June 1, the governing board shall file with the county school superintendent and the superintendent of public instruction a statement of the actual amount of title VIII of the elementary and secondary education act of 1965 monies it received during the current year. This subsection does not apply to accommodation schools.

F. The department may collect any other similar or related information from school districts that the department may determine is necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
A.R.S. § 15-1121 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 10 / Article 2 / Section 1121
15-1121 Student activities monies defined
Status: in_force

15-1121. Student activities monies defined

All monies raised with the approval of the governing board of a school district by the efforts of students in pursuance of or in connection with all activities of student organizations, clubs, school plays or other student entertainment other than funds specified in sections 15-1125 and 15-1126 are student activities monies.
A.R.S. § 15-795.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 6.1 / Section 795.01
15-795.01 Competency-based college-ready educational pathways
Status: in_force

15-795.01. Competency-based college-ready educational pathways

In accordance with the rules adopted by the state board of education pursuant to section 15-203, subsection A, paragraph 38, students who are eligible for a high school diploma through the fulfillment of a defined competency-based college-ready educational pathway shall have multiple pathways available to them and may:

1. Enroll the following fall semester in a community college under the jurisdiction of a community college district in this state.  Community colleges under the jurisdiction of a community college district in this state shall admit students who obtain a high school diploma through the fulfillment of a defined competency-based educational pathway and who otherwise meet the qualifications for admission.  The school district or charter school from which the student earned the high school diploma shall include that student in the school district's or charter school's student count and shall continue to receive per pupil funding for a student who earns a high school diploma until that student would otherwise have graduated at the end of grade twelve, as long as that student is enrolled as a full-time student in a community college under the jurisdiction of a community college district in this state.  The school district or charter school shall subtract twenty percent of its average daily membership amount and reimburse the community college if the student has earned a high school diploma and is attending a community college as a full-time student. If the student attends community college on a community college campus, the school district or charter school shall reimburse the community college district for the amount of operating and capital outlay full-time student equivalency monies.  For the purposes of this paragraph, the amount of operating full-time student equivalency monies shall be equivalent to the average appropriation per full-time student equivalent for all community college districts as calculated pursuant to section 15-1466, subsection C, paragraph 2. Fifty percent of the remaining balance of the per pupil funding shall be used for teacher and pupil incentives, including scholarship programs, to offset the costs of competency-based pathways and to provide customized programs of assistance for students who do not demonstrate mastery. The other fifty percent shall be used for maintenance and operations, including capital. Under this paragraph, a student who earns a high school diploma is responsible for tuition. A student who earns a high school diploma may enroll in community college courses offered on a community college campus or a high school campus, or both.  Notwithstanding any other law, community college districts shall not classify a student who remains in high school pursuant to this paragraph as a full-time equivalent student. Students who take courses on high school campuses pursuant to this paragraph shall be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, including interscholastic sports, through the end of grade twelve. The expenditure by community college districts of payments from the school district or charter school to the community colleges under this section shall not be included under the district expenditure limitation prescribed pursuant to article IX, section 21, Constitution of Arizona. If the instruction provided under this paragraph is offered on a community college campus, the funding and implementation mechanics between the school district or charter school and the community college shall be determined by agreement between the school district or charter school and the community college.

2. Remain in high school and participate in programs of study available to students through the school district or charter school. The school district or charter school shall continue to include that student in the school district's or charter school's student count and shall continue to receive per pupil funding for a student who is eligible for a high school diploma until that student would otherwise have graduated at the end of grade twelve, as long as that student is enrolled in approved advanced preparation programs of study at that school district or charter school.  Students who elect to remain in high school pursuant to this paragraph shall not be prevented from enrolling at a high school after the student becomes eligible for a high school diploma and shall be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, including interscholastic sports, through the end of grade twelve.

3. Enroll in a full-time career and technical education program offered on a high school campus or a career technical education district campus, or any combination of these campuses. A student who elects to remain in high school pursuant to this paragraph shall not be prevented from enrolling at a high school after the pupil becomes eligible for a high school diploma and shall be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, including interscholastic sports, through the end of grade twelve. The school district or charter school from which the student became eligible for the high school diploma shall include that student in the school district's or charter school's student count and shall continue to receive per pupil funding for a student who is eligible for a high school diploma until that student would otherwise have graduated at the end of grade twelve, as long as that student is enrolled in an approved full-time career and technical education program. Notwithstanding any other law, if the instruction provided under this paragraph is provided by a career technical education district in a full-time career and technical education program that is designed to lead to a certificate that is awarded by an industry or recognized as meeting industry standards, the sum of the average daily membership for that pupil shall not exceed 1.25, and the average daily membership shall be apportioned at 1.0 for the career technical education district and 0.25 for the school district.

4. If accepted for admission to a university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents, enroll in the university after completion of additional high school coursework designed to prepare students for admission to selective postsecondary institutions that offer baccalaureate degrees. The school district or charter school from which the student earned the high school diploma shall include that student in the school district's or charter school's student count and shall continue to receive per pupil funding for a student who earns a high school diploma until that student would otherwise have graduated at the end of grade twelve for as long as that student is enrolled as a full-time student in the university.  One-third of the school district's or charter school's average daily membership amount shall be retained by the school district or the operator of the charter school. One-third of the school district's or charter school's average daily membership amount shall be retained for use at the school site. One-third of the school district's or charter school's average daily membership amount shall be distributed as follows:

(a) Fifty percent of this amount shall be deposited in a scholarship account established and managed by the school district or charter school from which the student graduated specifically for a student who qualifies for a diploma and who attends a university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents as a full-time student.

(b) Fifty percent of this amount shall be retained by the university where the student is enrolled.
A.R.S. § 15-183.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 8 / Section 183.01
15-183.01 New charter application processing fund
Status: in_force

15-183.01. New charter application processing fund

The new charter application processing fund is established consisting of fees collected by the state board for charter schools.  The state board for charter schools shall administer the fund. The state board for charter schools shall use monies in the fund only for the processing of applications submitted for new charters. Monies in the fund are continuously appropriated.
A.R.S. § 15-346 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 346
15-346 Policies and procedures concerning pupils with chronic health problems; definition
Status: in_force

15-346. Policies and procedures concerning pupils with chronic health problems; definition

A. The governing board shall adopt policies and procedures concerning pupils with chronic health problems in consultation with parents, teachers and at least one health professional. The policies and procedures shall be designed to provide continuing learning for pupils with chronic health problems while they are absent from school and to provide for the integration of pupils with chronic health problems into the regular education program as much as possible.  The policies and procedures shall include provisions for:

1. Homework availability to ensure that pupils with chronic health problems have the opportunity to keep up with assignments and avoid losing credit because of their absence from school.

2. Flexibility in physical education activity requirements so that pupils with chronic health problems may participate in the regular physical education program to the extent that their health permits.

B. Nothing in this section shall be construed to obstruct, interfere with or override the rights of parents or guardians concerning the education and health care of pupils with chronic health problems.  Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize school personnel to either:

1. Authorize absences from school for a pupil with a chronic health problem without the prior consent of the pupil's parent or guardian.

2. Recommend, prescribe or provide medication to a pupil with a chronic health problem without the prior consent of the pupil's parent or guardian.

C. For the purposes of this section, "pupils with chronic health problems" means:

1. Pupils who are not homebound, but who are unable to attend regular classes for intermittent periods of one or more consecutive days because of illness, disease, pregnancy complications or accident as certified by a health professional who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 7, 8, 13, 14, 17 or 25 or a registered nurse practitioner who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15.

2. Pupils who suffer from a condition requiring management on a long-term basis as certified by a health professional who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 7, 8, 13, 14, 17 or 25 or a registered nurse practitioner who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15.

3. Pupils who have an infant with a severe health problem as certified by a health professional who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 7, 8, 13, 14, 17 or 25 or a registered nurse practitioner who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15.
A.R.S. § 15-755 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 3.1 / Section 755
15-755 Standardized testing for monitoring education progress
Status: in_force

15-755. Standardized testing for monitoring education progress

(Caution:  1998 Prop. 105 applies)

In order to ensure that the educational progress of all Arizona students in academic subjects and in learning English is properly monitored, a standardized, nationally-normed written test of academic subject matter given in English shall be administered at least once each year to all Arizona public schoolchildren in grades two through twelve.  All students with disabilities shall be included in all general state and district assessments, with appropriate accommodations and alternate assessments where necessary and as indicated in their respective individual education program, in accordance with 20 United States Code section 1412.  The particular test to be used shall be selected by the office of the state superintendent of public instruction, and it is intended that the test shall generally remain the same from year to year.  The national percentile scores of students shall be confidentially provided to individual parents, and the aggregated percentile scores and distributional data for individual schools and school districts shall be made publicly available on an internet web site, and the scores for students classified as "limited-English" shall be separately subaggregated and made publicly available there as well.  Although administration of this test is required solely for monitoring educational progress, Arizona public officials and administrators may utilize these test scores for other purposes as well if they so choose.
A.R.S. § 15-1646 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 13 / Article 2 / Section 1646
15-1646 Board of regents and university scholarships; notification requirements
Status: in_force

15-1646. Board of regents and university scholarships; notification requirements

The universities under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents shall establish policies that ensure fair and equitable access by Arizona students from public, private and charter schools and homeschools to scholarships, including tuition waivers, that are issued solely on the basis of academic merit and for which the universities establish and administer fair and equitable selection criteria. The universities under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents shall:

1. Annually report to the board and publish and disclose to the extent permitted by state and federal law the following information related to each merit based scholarship awarded to students from public, private and charter schools and homeschools by each university, for the prior academic year:

(a) The total number and dollar amount of awards and total number of applicants.

(b) The total number and dollar amount of awards and total number of applicants by type of student.

(c) The specific criteria used to award each scholarship, including average and range of SAT and ACT scores.

(d) The number of newly awarded scholarships and the number of renewed scholarships.

2. Notify students in this state of scholarship awards in a timely manner without regard to whether the students are from public, private or charter schools or homeschools.
A.R.S. § 15-941 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 9 / Article 3 / Section 941
15-941 Teacher experience index; computation; definition
Status: in_force

15-941. Teacher experience index; computation; definition

A. The teacher experience index for each school district shall be computed as follows:

1. For the school district:

Number of FTE

years of

experience of

Number of years   Number of FTE                  certified

of experience      certified teachers           teachers___

1     x     ____  =     ____

2     x     ____  =     ____

3     x     ____  =     ____

4     x     ____  =     ____

5     x     ____  =     ____

6     x     ____  =     ____

7     x     ____  =     ____

8     x     ____  =     ____

9     x     ____  =     ____

10     x     ____  =     ____

11     x     ____  =     ____

12     x     ____  =     ____

13     x     ____  =     ____

14     x     ____  =     ____

15 (or more) x     ____  =     ____

Total

A    B

2. Divide total B by total A to determine the average number of FTE years of experience of FTE certified teachers in the school district.

3. For the state:

Number of FTE

years of

experience of

Number of years   Number of FTE                  certified

of experience      certified teachers           teachers___

1     x     ____  =     ____

2     x     ____  =     ____

3     x     ____  =     ____

4     x     ____  =     ____

5     x     ____  =     ____

6     x     ____  =     ____

7     x     ____  =     ____

8     x     ____  =     ____

9     x     ____  =     ____

10     x     ____  =     ____

11     x     ____  =     ____

12     x     ____  =     ____

13     x     ____  =     ____

14     x     ____  =     ____

15 (or more) x     ____  =     ____

Total

C    D

4. Divide total D by total C to determine the average number of FTE years of experience of FTE certified teachers in the state.

5. Subtract the quotient obtained in paragraph 4 from the quotient obtained in paragraph 2 and multiply the remainder by 0.0225.

6. Add 1.00 to the product obtained in paragraph 5.

B. Librarians, guidance counselors, curriculum coordinators and other personnel who do not conduct regularly scheduled classes shall not be included as certified teachers and shall be coded separately from certified teachers in the uniform system of financial records.

C. Each school district shall on or before October 15 submit to the superintendent of public instruction in electronic format the data prescribed in subsection A, paragraphs 1 and 2 of this section for the current year.  The superintendent of public instruction shall use the data to compute the teacher experience index of each school district for the budget year.

D. The superintendent of public instruction on or before February 1 shall notify each school district of its preliminary teacher experience index for the budget year. Between February 1 and March 1, a school district may submit corrections to data that it submitted pursuant to subsection C of this section and the superintendent of public instruction on or before March 15 shall recompute the teacher experience index for all school districts for the budget year using the corrected data.   The teacher experience index for the budget year shall not be recalculated after March 15 unless the superintendent of public instruction determines that the school district has submitted data resulting in an overstatement of the teacher experience index for the budget year.

E. For the purposes of this section, "number of years of experience" means the number of years of classroom instruction conducted by a certified teacher in the school district in which the certified teacher is currently employed, including the number of years of experience of the certified teacher granted by the school district for the certified teacher on the district's salary schedule for experience outside of the school district.
A.R.S. § 15-1181 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 1181
15-1181 Definitions
Status: in_force

15-1181. Definitions

In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Child" means a person who is at least three years of age by September 1 of the current year but who is under twenty-two years of age.

2. "Foster parent" means a person who may serve as the parent of a child with disabilities if that person has an ongoing, long-term parental relationship with the child, is willing to make educational decisions for the child and has no personal interest that would conflict with the interests of the child.

3. "Fund" means the special education fund.

4. "Home school district" has the same meaning prescribed in section 15-761.

5. "Individualized education program" has the same meaning prescribed in section 15-761.

6. "Parent" means the natural or adoptive parent of a child, the legal guardian of a child, a relative with whom a child resides and who is acting as the parent of that child or a surrogate parent who has been appointed for a child pursuant to section 15-763.01. Parent does not mean this state if the child is a ward of the state.

7. "Place" or "placement" means placement of a child in a private residential facility for residential special education placement as defined in section 15-761 or by a state placing agency for care, safety or treatment reasons.

8. "Private residential facility" means a private facility that is licensed by the department of economic security or department of health services and to which one of the following also applies:

(a) For special education placements, the facility has been approved by the division of special education pursuant to section 15-765 for the purpose of providing special education and related services.

(b) For other than special education placements, the facility has been accredited by the north central association of colleges and secondary schools, except that private facilities applying for initial approval as a private school are not required to receive accreditation until three years after the date of initial approval as long as continual progress toward accreditation is maintained.

9. "Related services" means related services as defined in section 15-761.

10. "Residential special education placement" has the same meaning prescribed in section 15-761.

11. "Special education" has the same meaning prescribed in section 15-761.

12. "State placing agency" means the department of juvenile corrections, the department of economic security, the department of child safety, the Arizona health care cost containment system or the administrative office of the court.
A.R.S. § 15-404 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 4 / Article 1 / Section 404
15-404 Election officers; compensation
Status: in_force

15-404. Election officers; compensation

A. In school district elections held at a time and place other than general elections, at least twenty days before the school district election the county school superintendent or other authority conducting the election shall appoint for each election precinct or combination of precincts not fewer than one inspector and two judges as election officers and may appoint additional clerks and marshals necessary to properly conduct the election.

B. For the purpose of this section, an employee of a school district shall not serve as an election officer for the school district. If those appointed are not present at the opening of the polls, the electors present may select them. In all school district elections each election officer shall receive the same compensation as other election officers of a general election.
A.R.S. § 15-203 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 203
15-203 Powers and duties; definition
Status: in_force

15-203. Powers and duties; definition

A. The state board of education shall:

1. Exercise general supervision over and regulate the conduct of the public school system and adopt any rules and policies it deems necessary to accomplish this purpose.

2. Keep a record of its proceedings.

3. Make rules for its own government.

4. Determine the policy and work undertaken by it.

5. Subject to title 41, chapter 4, article 4, employ staff.

6. Prescribe and supervise the duties of its employees pursuant to title 41, chapter 4, article 4, if not otherwise prescribed by statute.

7. Delegate to the superintendent of public instruction the execution of board policies and rules.

8. Recommend to the legislature changes or additions to the statutes pertaining to schools.

9. Prepare, publish and distribute reports concerning the educational welfare of this state.

10. Prepare a budget for expenditures necessary for proper maintenance of the board and accomplishment of its purposes and present the budget to the legislature.

11. Aid in the enforcement of laws relating to schools.

12. Prescribe a minimum course of study in the common schools, minimum competency requirements for the promotion of pupils from the third grade and minimum course of study and competency requirements for the promotion of pupils from the eighth grade.  The state board of education shall prepare a fiscal impact statement of any proposed changes to the minimum course of study or competency requirements and, on completion, shall send a copy to the director of the joint legislative budget committee and the director of the school facilities division within the department of administration.  The state board of education shall not adopt any changes in the minimum course of study or competency requirements in effect on July 1, 1998 that will have a fiscal impact on school capital costs.

13. Prescribe minimum course of study and competency requirements for the graduation of pupils from high school. The state board of education shall prepare a fiscal impact statement of any proposed changes to the minimum course of study or competency requirements and, on completion, shall send a copy to the director of the joint legislative budget committee and the director of the school facilities division within the department of administration. The state board of education shall not adopt any changes in the minimum course of study or competency requirements in effect on July 1, 1998 that will have a fiscal impact on school capital costs.

14. Pursuant to section 15-501.01, supervise and control the certification of persons engaged in instructional work directly as any classroom, laboratory or other teacher or indirectly as a supervisory teacher, speech therapist, principal or superintendent in a school district, including school district preschool programs, or any other educational institution below the community college, college or university level, and prescribe rules for certification.

15. Adopt a list of approved tests for determining special education assistance to gifted pupils as defined in and as provided in chapter 7, article 4.1 of this title.  The adopted tests shall provide separate scores for quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning and nonverbal reasoning and shall be capable of providing reliable and valid scores at the highest ranges of the score distribution.

16. Adopt rules governing the methods for the administration of all proficiency examinations.

17. Adopt proficiency examinations for its use and determine the passing score for the proficiency examinations.

18. Include within its budget the cost of contracting for the purchase, distribution and scoring of the examinations as provided in paragraphs 16 and 17 of this subsection.

19. Supervise and control the qualifications of professional nonteaching school personnel and prescribe standards relating to qualifications.  The standards shall not require the business manager of a school district to obtain certification from the state board of education.

20. Impose such disciplinary action, including disciplinary action pursuant to section 15-505 or the issuance of a letter of censure, suspension, suspension with conditions or revocation of a certificate, on a finding of immoral or unprofessional conduct.

21. Establish an assessment, data gathering and reporting system for pupil performance as prescribed in chapter 7, article 3 of this title, including qualifying examinations for the college credit by examination incentive program pursuant to section 15-249.06.

22. Adopt a rule to promote braille literacy pursuant to section 15-214.

23. Adopt rules prescribing procedures for the state board of education to investigate every written complaint alleging that a certificated person, a person seeking certification or a noncertificated person has engaged in immoral or unprofessional conduct.

24. For purposes of federal law, serve as the state board for vocational and technological education and meet at least four times each year solely to execute the powers and duties of the state board for vocational and technological education.

25. Develop and maintain a handbook for use in the schools of this state that provides guidance for the teaching of moral, civic and ethical education. The handbook shall promote existing curriculum frameworks and shall encourage school districts to recognize moral, civic and ethical values within instructional and programmatic educational development programs for the general purpose of instilling character and ethical principles in pupils in kindergarten programs and grades one through twelve.

26. Require pupils to recite the following passage from the declaration of independence for pupils in grades four through six at the commencement of the first class of the day in the schools, except that a pupil shall not be required to participate if the pupil or the pupil's parent or guardian objects:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. . . .

27. Adopt rules that provide for certification reciprocity pursuant to section 15-501.01.

28. Adopt rules that provide for the presentation of an honorary high school diploma to a person who has never obtained a high school diploma and who meets both of the following requirements:

(a) Currently resides in this state.

(b) Provides documented evidence from the department of veterans' services that the person enlisted in the armed forces of the United States and served in World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict or the Vietnam conflict.

29. Cooperate with the Arizona-Mexico commission in the governor's office and with researchers at universities in this state to collect data and conduct projects in the United States and Mexico on issues that are within the scope of the duties of the department of education and that relate to quality of life, trade and economic development in this state in a manner that will help the Arizona-Mexico commission to assess and enhance the economic competitiveness of this state and of the Arizona-Mexico region.

30. Adopt rules to define and provide guidance to schools as to the activities that would constitute immoral or unprofessional conduct of certificated and noncertificated persons.

31. Adopt guidelines to encourage pupils in grades nine, ten, eleven and twelve to volunteer for twenty hours of community service before graduation from high school. A school district that complies with the guidelines adopted pursuant to this paragraph is not liable for damages resulting from a pupil's participation in community service unless the school district is found to have demonstrated wanton or reckless disregard for the safety of the pupil and other participants in community service. For the purposes of this paragraph, "community service" may include service learning.  The guidelines shall include the following:

(a) A list of the general categories in which community service may be performed.

(b) A description of the methods by which community service will be monitored.

(c) A consideration of risk assessment for community service projects.

(d) Orientation and notification procedures of community service opportunities for pupils entering grade nine, including the development of a notification form. The notification form shall be signed by the pupil and the pupil's parent or guardian, except that a pupil shall not be required to participate in community service if the parent or guardian notifies the principal of the pupil's school in writing that the parent or guardian does not wish the pupil to participate in community service.

(e) Procedures for a pupil in grade nine to prepare a written proposal that outlines the type of community service that the pupil would like to perform and the goals that the pupil hopes to achieve as a result of community service.  The pupil's written proposal shall be reviewed by a faculty advisor, a guidance counselor or any other school employee who is designated as the community service program coordinator for that school.  The pupil may alter the written proposal at any time before performing community service.

(f) Procedures for a faculty advisor, a guidance counselor or any other school employee who is designated as the community service program coordinator to evaluate and certify the completion of community service performed by pupils.

32. To facilitate the transfer of military personnel and their dependents to and from the public schools of this state, pursue, in cooperation with the Arizona board of regents, reciprocity agreements with other states concerning the transfer credits for military personnel and their dependents. A reciprocity agreement entered into pursuant to this paragraph shall:

(a) Address procedures for each of the following:

(i) Transferring student records.

(ii) Awarding credit for completed coursework.

(iii) Allowing a student to satisfy the graduation requirements prescribed in section 15-701.01 through the successful performance on comparable exit-level assessment instruments administered in another state.

(b) Include appropriate criteria developed by the state board of education and the Arizona board of regents.

33. Adopt guidelines that school district governing boards shall use in identifying pupils who are eligible for gifted programs and in providing gifted education programs and services. The state board of education shall adopt any other guidelines and rules that it deems necessary in order to carry out the purposes of chapter 7, article 4.1 of this title.

34. For each of the alternative textbook formats of human-voiced audio, large-print and braille, designate alternative media producers to adapt existing standard print textbooks or to provide specialized textbooks, or both, for pupils with disabilities in this state. Each alternative media producer shall be capable of producing alternative textbooks in all relevant subjects in at least one of the alternative textbook formats. The board shall post the designated list of alternative media producers on its website.

35. Adopt a list of approved professional development training providers for use by school districts as provided in section 15-107, subsection J.  The professional development training providers shall meet the training curriculum requirements determined by the state board of education in at least the areas of school finance, governance, employment, staffing, inventory and human resources, internal controls and procurement.

36. Adopt rules to prohibit a person who violates the notification requirements prescribed in section 15-183, subsection C, paragraph 8 or section 15-550, subsection D from certification pursuant to this title until the person is no longer charged or is acquitted of any offenses listed in section 41-1758.03, subsection B. The state board shall also adopt rules to prohibit a person who violates the notification requirements, certification surrender requirements or fingerprint clearance card surrender requirements prescribed in section 15-183, subsection C, paragraph 9 or section 15-550, subsection E from certification pursuant to this title for at least ten years after the date of the violation.

37. Adopt rules for the alternative certification of teachers of nontraditional foreign languages that allow for the passing of a nationally accredited test to substitute for the education coursework required for certification.

38. Adopt rules to define competency-based educational pathways for college and career readiness that may be used by schools. The rules shall include the following components:

(a) The establishment of learning outcomes that will be expected for students in a particular subject, beginning with math.

(b) A mechanism to allow pupils in grades seven through twelve who have demonstrated competency in a subject to immediately obtain credit for the mastery of that subject.  The rules shall include a list of applicable subjects.

39. In consultation with the department of health services, the department of education, medical professionals, school health professionals, school administrators and an organization that represents school nurses in this state, adopt rules that prescribe the following for school districts and charter schools:

(a) Annual training in the administration of epinephrine delivery systems for designated medical and nonmedical school personnel. The annual training prescribed in this subdivision is optional during any fiscal year in which a school does not stock epinephrine delivery systems at the school during that fiscal year.

(b) Annual training for all school site personnel on the recognition of anaphylactic shock symptoms and the procedures to follow when anaphylactic shock occurs, following the national guidelines of the American academy of pediatrics. The annual training prescribed in this subdivision is optional during any fiscal year in which a school does not stock epinephrine delivery systems at the school during that fiscal year.

(c) Procedures for the administration of epinephrine delivery systems in emergency situations.

(d) Procedures for annually requesting a standing order for epinephrine delivery systems pursuant to section 15-157 from the chief medical officer of the department of health services, the chief medical officer of a county health department, a doctor of medicine licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, a doctor of naturopathic medicine licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 14 or a doctor of osteopathic medicine licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 17.

(e) Procedures for reporting the use of epinephrine delivery systems to the department of health services.

40. In consultation with the department of education, medical professionals, school health professionals, school administrators and an organization that represents school nurses in this state, adopt rules that prescribe the following for school districts and charter schools that elect to administer inhalers:

(a) Annual training in the recognition of respiratory distress symptoms and the procedures to follow when respiratory distress occurs, in accordance with good clinical practice, and the administration of inhalers, as directed on the prescription protocol, by designated medical and nonmedical school personnel.

(b) Requirements for school districts and charter schools that elect to administer inhalers to designate at least two employees at each school to be trained in the recognition of respiratory distress symptoms and the procedures to follow when respiratory distress occurs, in accordance with good clinical practice, and at least two employees at each school to be trained in the administration of inhalers, as directed on the prescription protocol.

(c) Procedures for the administration of inhalers in emergency situations, as directed on the prescription protocol.

(d) Procedures for annually requesting a standing order for inhalers and spacers or holding chambers pursuant to section 15-158 from the chief medical officer of a county health department, a physician licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, 14 or 17 or a nurse practitioner licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15.

(e) Procedures for notifying a parent once an inhaler has been administered.

41. Adopt rules for certification that allow substitute teachers who can demonstrate primary teaching responsibility in a classroom as defined by the state board of education to use the time spent in that classroom toward the required capstone experience for standard teaching certification.

42. For the purposes of Sandra Day O'Connor civics celebration day instruction under section 15-710.01, develop a list of recommended resources relating to civics education that align with the academic standards prescribed by the state board of education in social studies pursuant to sections 15-701 and 15-701.01. The state board shall establish a process that allows public schools to recommend resources for addition to the list.

43. Direct and oversee the work of all investigators related to investigating certificated persons, persons seeking certification and noncertificated persons for immoral or unprofessional conduct under this title and rules adopted pursuant to this title. The investigators shall be housed within and are employees of the state board of education.

44. Establish best practices for social media and cellular telephone use between students and school personnel, including teachers, coaches and counselors, and encourage school district governing boards and charter school governing bodies to adopt policies that implement these best practices. The state board of education shall make these best practices available to both public and private schools.

45. For the purposes of 9/11 education day instruction under section 15-710.02, develop a list of recommended resources relating to age-appropriate education on the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 that align with the academic standards prescribed by the state board pursuant to sections 15-701 and 15-701.01. The state board shall establish a process that allows public schools to recommend resources for addition to the list.

B. The state board of education may:

1. Contract.

2. Sue and be sued.

3. Distribute and score the tests prescribed in chapter 7, article 3 of this title.

4. Provide for an advisory committee or hearing officers to conduct hearings and screenings to determine whether grounds exist to impose disciplinary action against a certificated person, whether grounds exist to reinstate a revoked or surrendered certificate, whether grounds exist to approve or deny an initial application for certification or a request for renewal of a certificate and whether grounds exist to impose or lift disciplinary action against a noncertificated person. The board may delegate its responsibility to conduct hearings and screenings to its advisory committee or hearing officers. Hearings shall be conducted pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 6.

5. Proceed with the disposal of any complaint requesting disciplinary action against a noncertificated person after the board has imposed disciplinary action pursuant to section 15-505 or against a person holding a certificate as prescribed in subsection A, paragraph 14 of this section after the suspension or expiration of the certificate or surrender of the certificate by the holder.

6. Assess costs and reasonable attorney fees against a person who files a frivolous complaint or who files a complaint in bad faith.  Costs assessed pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed the expenses incurred by the state board of education in the investigation of the complaint.

7. Issue subpoenas to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and production of documents or any physical evidence in connection with an investigation or hearing of an allegation that a certificated person, a person seeking certification or a noncertificated person has engaged in immoral or unprofessional conduct. If a subpoena issued by the board is disobeyed, the board may petition the superior court to enforce the subpoena. Any failure to obey an order of the court pursuant to this paragraph may be punished by the court as contempt.

C. For the purposes of this section, "noncertificated person" has the same meaning prescribed in section 15-505.
A.R.S. § 15-188 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 8 / Section 188
15-188 Charter schools stimulus fund
Status: in_force

15-188. Charter schools stimulus fund

A. The charter schools stimulus fund is established for the purpose of providing financial support to charter school applicants and charter schools for start-up costs and costs associated with renovating or remodeling existing buildings and structures.  The fund consists of monies appropriated by the legislature and grants, gifts, devises and donations from any public or private source. The department of education shall administer the fund.

B. The state board of education shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section, including application and notification requirements.  If sufficient monies are appropriated for this purpose, monies from the charter schools stimulus fund shall be distributed to qualifying charter school applicants and charter schools in the following manner:

1. Each qualifying charter school applicant or charter school shall be awarded an initial grant of up to one hundred thousand dollars during or before the first year of the charter school's operation. If an applicant for a charter school receives an initial grant pursuant to this paragraph and fails to begin operating a charter school within the next eighteen months, the applicant shall reimburse the department of education for the amount of the initial grant plus interest calculated at a rate of ten per cent a year.

2. Applicants for charter schools and charter schools that received initial grants pursuant to paragraph 1 may apply to the department of education for an additional grant of up to one hundred thousand dollars. If an applicant for a charter school receives an additional grant pursuant to this paragraph and fails to begin operating a charter school within the next eighteen months, the applicant shall reimburse the department of education for the amount of the additional grant plus interest calculated at a rate of ten per cent a year. A reimbursement required by this paragraph is in addition to any reimbursement required by paragraph 1.

C. Monies in the charter schools stimulus fund are exempt from the provisions of section 35-190 relating to lapsing of appropriations.
A.R.S. § 15-184 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 8 / Section 184
15-184 Charter schools; admissions requirements; parental classroom visits
Status: in_force

15-184. Charter schools; admissions requirements; parental classroom visits

A. A charter school shall enroll all eligible pupils who submit a timely application, unless the number of applications exceeds the capacity of a program, class, grade level or building.

B. A charter school shall give enrollment preference to pupils who are returning to the charter school in the second or any subsequent year of its operation and to siblings of pupils who are already enrolled in the charter school.

C. A charter school may give enrollment preference to children who are in foster care or meet the definition of unaccompanied youth prescribed in the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act (42 United States Code section 11434a).

D. A charter school may give enrollment preference to and reserve capacity for pupils who either:

1. Are children, grandchildren or legal wards of any of the following:

(a) Employees of the school.

(b) Employees of the charter holder.

(c) Members of the governing body of the school.

(d) Directors, officers, partners or board members of the charter holder.

2. Attended another charter school or are the siblings of that pupil if the charter school previously attended by the pupil has the identical charter holder, board and governing board membership as the enrolling charter school or is managed by the same educational management organization, charter management organization or educational service provider as determined by the charter authorizer.

3. Are children of a member of the armed forces of the United States who either is on active duty or was killed in the line of duty.

E. If remaining capacity is insufficient to enroll all pupils who submit a timely application, the charter school shall select pupils through an equitable selection process such as a lottery except that preference shall be given to siblings of a pupil who is selected through an equitable selection process such as a lottery.

F. Except as provided in subsections A through D of this section, a charter school shall not limit admission based on ethnicity, national origin, gender, income level, disabling condition, proficiency in the English language or athletic ability.

G. A charter school may limit admission to pupils within a given age group or grade level.

H. A charter school may provide instruction to pupils of a single gender with the approval of the sponsor of the charter school. An existing charter school may amend its charter to provide instruction to pupils of a single gender and, if approved by the sponsor of the charter school, may provide instruction to pupils of a single gender at the beginning of the next school year.

I. A charter school may refuse to admit any pupil who has been expelled from another educational institution or who is in the process of being expelled from another educational institution.

J. A charter school governing body must develop and adopt in a public meeting policies to allow for visits, tours and observations of all classrooms by parents of enrolled pupils and parents who wish to enroll their children in the charter school unless a visit, tour or observation threatens the health and safety of pupils and staff.  These policies and procedures must be easily accessible from the home page on each school's website.
A.R.S. § 15-537.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 537.01
15-537.01 Posting of best practices for teacher and principal evaluation systems
Status: in_force

15-537.01. Posting of best practices for teacher and principal evaluation systems

A. On or before September 15, 2012, the department of education shall identify and prominently post on the website maintained by the department the best practices for the implementation and assessment of principal and teacher evaluation systems.

B. The best practices posted by the department of education pursuant to subsection A of this section shall be from at least the following public schools in this state:

1. One large school district located in a county with a population of at least eight hundred thousand persons.

2. One small school district located in a county with a population of at least eight hundred thousand persons.

3. One school district located in a county with a population of fewer than eight hundred thousand persons.

4. One charter school.

C. The best practices posted by the department of education pursuant to subsection A of this section shall include detailed information on the following:

1. The implementation process for teacher and principal evaluation systems.

2. The evaluation weightings.

3. The types of qualitative and quantitative elements used.

4. The methods in which the evaluations guide professional development.

5. The types of decisions for which the evaluations are used.
A.R.S. § 15-774 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 774
15-774 Extraordinary special education needs fund; claim application; criteria; revisions; policies and procedures; annual report
Status: in_force

15-774. Extraordinary special education needs fund; claim application; criteria; revisions; policies and procedures; annual report

A. The extraordinary special education needs fund is established consisting of legislative appropriations, gifts, grants and donations.  Monies in the fund are continuously appropriated and are exempt from the provisions of section 35-190 relating to lapsing of appropriations. The department of education shall administer the fund.  The department may retain up to two percent of the monies in the fund for the purposes of administering the fund.

B. The department of education shall award monies from the fund to school districts and charter schools with eligible claims. A school district or charter school is eligible to receive monies from the fund if the school district or charter school demonstrates to the department that a student receiving special education services has incurred costs in the current year of at least the statewide per pupil funding average multiplied by three.

C. A school district or charter school may apply to the department of education for an extraordinary special education needs claim from the fund. The department of education shall prescribe the format of the application, which shall do all of the following:

1. Demonstrate extraordinary needs, including describing and documenting student services required and showing that the district or charter school is not able to absorb the costs of these services.

2. Demonstrate total costs incurred in the current year by the student for whom the school district or charter school is applying. A school district or charter school may submit a claim for up to the full fiscal year if the expense incurred at the time of filing will continue to be incurred in subsequent quarters until the end of the same fiscal year.  Total costs submitted shall be itemized and attributable to the student for whom the claim is being submitted. A school district or charter school may submit a claim for expenses incurred as a result of an independent educational evaluation.

3. Evidence that before applying for monies from the fund the school district or charter school made sufficient efforts to seek but has not received funding to cover the costs of extraordinary needs applied for pursuant to paragraph 1 of this subsection from all other sources, including federal and other state sources of funding.

D. The department of education shall evaluate claim requests on a quarterly basis.  If there are insufficient monies in the fund to fund all eligible claims within a given quarter, the department shall prioritize funding based on the difference in the claim amount submitted by the school district or charter school and the total funding the school district or charter school has received for that student. If a school district or charter school submits a claim with insufficient information, the department may notify the school district or charter school to revise its claim within two weeks.

E. If a school district or charter school incurs an additional expense for a student who received funding for a claim from the fund in the same fiscal year, the school district or charter school may revise the claim and may receive funding at the end of the quarter in which the claim is submitted, subject to available monies in the fund. The department shall prioritize revisions in the same manner as other claims pursuant to subsection D of this section.

F. The department of education shall annually adopt policies and procedures for the fund and post the policies and procedures on the department's website. The policies and procedures must include the average statewide per pupil funding amount for that fiscal year that will be used in the calculation prescribed in subsection B of this section.

G. On or before December 15 of each year, the department of education shall submit a report that outlines all of the following to the governor, the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, the joint legislative budget committee and the governor's office of strategic planning and budgeting and provide a copy of this report to the secretary of state:

1. The number of extraordinary special education needs claims that were funded in the previous year.

2. How school districts and charter schools used claim monies.

3. The total number of claims received in the previous year.
A.R.S. § 15-1445 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 12 / Article 3 / Section 1445
15-1445 Administrative powers and duties of district governing boards
Status: in_force

15-1445. Administrative powers and duties of district governing boards

A district board shall:

1. Adopt policies for the government of the community colleges under its jurisdiction.

2. In conjunction with other district boards, set standards for the establishment, development, administration, operation and accreditation of community colleges in the district.

3. Fix tuitions and graduate the tuitions and fees between institutions and between residents, nonresidents and students from foreign countries.  The district board may waive tuitions and fees and graduate tuitions and waivers for an employee or the spouse or dependent child of an employee of the district, or for a nonresident student enrolled in the district if the district board determines the waiver is in the best interest of this state and the student.

4. In conjunction with other district boards, submit to the economic estimates commission before January 10 of each year the estimated number of full-time equivalent students for the district as prescribed in section 15-1466.01.

5. Establish curricula and designate courses that in its judgment will best serve the interests of this state.

6. Determine academic classes that qualify as open entry, open exit classes and prescribe policies for the operation of open entry, open exit classes.

7. In conjunction with other district boards and the state board of education, review and adopt, within the scope of the statutory definitions of vocational and technical education, program and staff standards with modifications as necessary for courses taught in community colleges.  The district board shall base the standards on vocational and technical competence.

8. In conjunction with other district boards, establish qualifications of the instructional staff that, at a minimum, shall be equal to those required to meet accreditation guidelines and establish standards of vocational and technical competence required to instruct in occupational as well as academic subjects.

9. In conjunction with other district boards, prescribe guidelines providing for the transferability between community college district vocational and technical education programs and in conjunction with the state board of education prescribe guidelines for the interrelationship of secondary programs and postsecondary programs.

10. In conjunction with other district boards, prescribe the manner in which the self-evaluation of vocational and technical education programs is conducted as provided in section 15-1452.

11. If requested by the state board of education, assist in the preparation, publication and distribution of an annual state plan and a comprehensive five-year state plan.

12. In conjunction with other district boards and the state board of education, develop a process to determine program funding priorities for state aid purposes.  Each district board shall submit state aid recommendations to the legislature.  The recommendations shall be based on the process and on existing cost studies of vocational and technical education in this state.

13. In conjunction with other district boards, prescribe qualifications for admission to community colleges for honorably discharged veterans who served on active duty in the armed forces for a minimum of one year and who were previously enrolled at a community college or university in this state. For the purpose of determining the qualifications, the district board may not consider prior failing grades received by the veteran at a community college or university in this state.

14. Require the publisher of each literary and nonliterary textbook used in the community colleges of the district to furnish computer software in a standardized format, when software becomes available for nonliterary textbooks, to the district board from which braille versions of the textbook may be produced.

15. Identify students simultaneously enrolled in a course for both high school and college credit by using the same student level data element required by section 15-1042, subsection A.  The auditor general shall have access to this information when certifying the full-time equivalent student enrollment pursuant to section 15-1466.01, subsection A, paragraph 4.

16. Acquire United States flags that are manufactured in the United States and that are at least two feet by three feet and hardware to appropriately display the United States flags, acquire a legible copy of the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights that is manufactured in the United States, display the flags in each classroom in accordance with title 4 of the United States Code and display a legible copy of the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights adjacent to the flag.
A.R.S. § 15-1222 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 10 / Article 8 / Section 1222
15-1222 Bank account; employee income tax; withholdings
Status: in_force

15-1222. Bank account; employee income tax; withholdings

A. The governing board of a school district may establish a bank account for the purpose of depositing the monies it withholds for each employee for application toward the employee's state income tax liability until the governing board must pay the monies to the department of revenue as provided in section 43-401. The governing board may make disbursements from the bank account only by check payable to the department of revenue. The bank account may be interest-bearing, and the governing board shall transfer any interest at the end of the fiscal year to the county treasurer for credit to the maintenance and operation fund of the school district.

B. The auditor general in conjunction with the state board of education shall prescribe the procedures for accounting for the monies withheld pursuant to this section in the uniform system of financial records.
A.R.S. § 15-1648 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 13 / Article 2 / Section 1648
15-1648 Technology and research initiative fund; purpose
Status: in_force

15-1648. Technology and research initiative fund; purpose

A. The technology and research initiative fund is established consisting of revenues transferred to the fund pursuant to section 42-5029, subsection E, paragraph 2 and section 42-5029.02, subsection A, paragraph 2.  The Arizona board of regents shall administer the fund.  The monies in the fund are continuously appropriated to the Arizona board of regents for distribution pursuant to this section and are exempt from the provisions of section 35-190 relating to lapsing of appropriations.

B. The board shall adopt rules to administer the technology and research initiative fund in accordance with this section.  The board may allocate up to twenty percent of the monies in the fund to be used for capital projects relating to new economy initiatives, including debt service, for the universities under its jurisdiction, pursuant to article 5 of this chapter.

C. The Arizona board of regents shall receive requests from the individual universities and shall determine the amount and duration of each award.  The criteria for the evaluation of each request shall be as follows:

1. The award must be related to one of the following:

(a) A specific academic or research field.

(b) The expansion of access to baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate education for time-bound and place-bound students.

(c) The implementation of recommendations of the Arizona partnership for the new economy or the governor's task force on higher education.

2. The award may be used to develop new and existing programs that will prepare students to contribute in high technology industries located in this state.

3. The award may be used in conjunction with matching financial assistance from private industry.

4. The Arizona board of regents shall give preference to requests that are developed in conjunction with private industry, private entities or federal agencies.

D. The Arizona board of regents shall submit a report to the governor, the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives on or before September 1 of each year on the technology and research award program and shall transmit a copy to the secretary of state.  The report shall include a description of the amount and duration of each new award distributed and a description of the purpose and goals for each award.  For existing awards, the Arizona board of regents shall use a detailed set of performance measures to determine the overall effectiveness of each award.
A.R.S. § 15-949 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 9 / Article 3 / Section 949
15-949 Small school districts; exemption from general budget limit; budget revision
Status: in_force

15-949. Small school districts; exemption from general budget limit; budget revision

A. The governing board of a common school district with a student count in kindergarten programs and grades one through eight of one hundred twenty-five or less, the governing board of a high school district with a student count of one hundred or less or the governing board of a unified school district or the county school superintendent for an accommodation school with a student count of one hundred twenty-five or less in kindergarten programs and grades one through eight or with a student count of one  hundred or less in grades nine through twelve shall compute a revenue control limit and a general budget limit, but the governing board or the county school superintendent may:

1. Adopt a budget in excess of the general budget limit without the necessity of an election under section 15-481, provided that for a unified school district or for an accommodation school the excess amount of expenditures shall be attributable to the student count in kindergarten programs and grades one through eight or to the student count in grades nine through twelve as provided in this subsection.

2. Revise its budget to include the costs for additional pupils who were not anticipated when the budget was adopted, if it receives permission as follows:

(a) If a governing board:

(i) The governing board shall send a petition to the county school superintendent requesting authority to revise its budget. The petition shall include a copy of the proposed budget.

(ii) The county school superintendent shall recommend the action to be taken on the petition and forward the recommendation and the petition to the board of supervisors.

(iii) The board of supervisors shall hold a hearing on the petition within twenty days after receipt of the petition and shall determine whether to allow the petition, allow the petition after revision or deny the petition.

(b) If a county school superintendent, the county school superintendent shall send the revised budget to the board of supervisors, and the board of supervisors shall hold a hearing on the recommendation within twenty days after receipt of the recommendation and shall determine whether to allow the revised budget, allow the revised budget after further revision or deny the revision.

B. If the board of supervisors revises or denies the petition or recommendation presented pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 2, subdivision (a), item (iii) or subdivision (b) of this section, the board shall state the reasons for revision or denial in writing.

C. School districts that in any year after fiscal year 1984-1985 but before fiscal year 1999-2000 have operated under the provisions of the small school adjustment as provided for in subsection A of this section and that have subsequently exceeded the student count limits expressed in subsection A of this section may continue in successive years to adopt a budget greater than the general budget limit without the necessity of an election under section 15-481, except that the amount greater than the general budget limit shall not exceed fifty thousand dollars. The amount that is adopted without the use of an election under section 15-481 and that is greater than the general budget limit is specifically exempt from the revenue control limit.

D. Notwithstanding subsection C of this section, school districts that exceeded the student count limits prescribed in subsection A of this section may adopt, in the first year that these limits are exceeded, a budget that exceeds the general budget limit without an election conducted pursuant to section 15-481 or pursuant to subsection E of this section, except that the amount that exceeds the general budget limit shall not exceed the amount authorized pursuant to subsection C of this section plus the limit prescribed in subsection E of this section.  The amount that is adopted without an election and that exceeds the general budget limit is exempt from the revenue control limit.

E. School districts that in any year after fiscal year 1998-1999 have operated under the provisions of the small school adjustment as provided in subsection A of this section and that have subsequently exceeded the student count limits prescribed in subsection A of this section may continue in successive years to adopt a budget greater than the general budget limit subject to an election, except that the amount that is greater than the general budget limit shall not exceed the amount that is prescribed in this subsection.  The amount that is adopted pursuant to this subsection is specifically exempt from the revenue control limit and shall be funded by a levy on secondary property taxes in the school district.  The maximum amount that may be adopted pursuant to this subsection is computed as follows:

1. For a unified school district, separate the revenue control limit into elementary and secondary components based on the weighted student count as provided in section 15-971, subsection B, paragraph 2, subdivision (a).  Use the elementary component of the revenue control limit for the purposes of paragraph 2 of this subsection and the secondary component of the revenue control limit for the purposes of paragraph 3 of this subsection.

2. For a common or unified district that used the provisions of subsection A of this section based on its elementary student count, the amount is determined as follows:

(a) Subtract one hundred twenty-five from the elementary student count.

(b) Multiply the difference in subdivision (a) of this paragraph by 0.45 percent.

(c) Subtract the product determined in subdivision (b) of this paragraph from thirty-five percent.  If the result is zero or less than zero, the district is not eligible to use the provisions of this paragraph.

(d) Multiply the difference determined in subdivision (c) of this paragraph by the elementary revenue control limit.

3. For a high school or unified district that used the provisions of subsection A of this section based on its secondary student count, the amount is determined as follows:

(a) Subtract one hundred from the secondary student count.

(b) Multiply the difference in subdivision (a) of this paragraph by 0.65 percent.

(c) Subtract the product determined in subdivision (b) of this paragraph from sixty-five percent.  If the result is zero or less than zero, the district is not eligible to use the provisions of this paragraph.

(d) Multiply the difference determined in subdivision (c) of this paragraph by the secondary revenue control limit.

4. For a unified school district that used the provisions of subsection A of this section for both its elementary and secondary pupils, combine the amounts determined in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this subsection.

F. For the purposes of subsection E of this section:

1. "Elementary" means kindergarten programs and grades one through eight.

2. "Secondary" means grades nine through twelve.

G. The part of the primary tax rate set to fund the small school district adjustment as provided in subsections D and E of this section shall not be included in the computation of additional state aid for education as prescribed in section 15-972.

H. The election required pursuant to subsection E of this section shall conform to the procedural requirements for calling the election, preparing the informational pamphlet and preparing the ballot as prescribed in section 15-481, subsections A, B, C and D.  The maximum number of years that a budget override approved pursuant to subsection E of this section may be in effect is five years.

I. If the proposed budget override will be fully funded by a levy of taxes on the taxable property within the school district, the ballot shall contain the words "budget override, yes" and "budget override, no", and the voter shall signify the voter's desired choice.  The ballot shall also contain the amount of the proposed budget override compared to the amount the school district budgeted in the preceding year and the amount the school district would be allowed to budget for if the measure is not approved by the voters.  The statement shall also include the estimated amount of the override for each year the override is sought.  The ballot shall also include the following statement:

The budget override authorized by this election allows the _______________ school district to levy property taxes in excess of the property tax levy allowed by law to fund the school district's revenue control limit.  The property tax levy for the year for which adopted and for ____ subsequent years will be annually adjusted based on a formula that authorizes the _______________ school district to exceed the revenue control limit by up to thirty-five percent for kindergarten programs and grades one through eight or up to sixty-five percent for grades nine through twelve.  The levy shall not be realized from monies furnished by the state and shall not be subject to the limitation on taxes specified in article IX, section 18, Constitution of Arizona. Based on an estimate of assessed valuation used for secondary property tax purposes, the proposed override in the ________________ school district's budget over that allowed by the revenue control limit would result in an estimated increase in the school district's tax rate of _________________ dollars per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation for the secondary property tax purposes.

J. If the proposed budget override will be fully funded by revenues from other than a levy of taxes on the taxable property within the school district, the ballot shall contain the words "budget override, yes" and "budget override, no", and the voter shall signify the voter's desired choice.  The ballot shall also contain the amount of the proposed budget override compared to the amount the school district budgeted in the preceding year and the amount the school district would be allowed to budget for if the measure is not approved by the voters.  The statement shall also include the estimated amount of the override for each year the override is sought. The ballot shall also include the following statement:

Any budget override authorized by this election shall be entirely funded by this school district with revenues from other than a levy of taxes on the taxable property within the school district for the year for which adopted and for ______ subsequent years and shall not be realized from monies furnished by the state.

K. For the purposes of subsections H and I of this section, levy of taxes on the taxable property does not include a levy of the government property lease or park property lease excise taxes assessed pursuant to title 42, chapter 6, article 5.
A.R.S. § 15-2403 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 19 / Article 1 / Section 2403
15-2403 Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts; administration; appeals; risk-based audits; rules; policy handbook
Status: in_force

15-2403. Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts; administration; appeals; risk-based audits; rules; policy handbook

A. The treasurer may contract with private financial management firms to manage Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts.

B. The department shall conduct or contract for annual audits of Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts to ensure compliance with section 15-2402, subsection B, paragraph 4. The department shall also conduct or contract for random, quarterly and annual audits of Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts as needed to ensure compliance with section 15-2402, subsection B, paragraph 4. The department, in consultation with the office of the auditor general, shall develop risk-based auditing procedures for audits conducted pursuant to this subsection.

C. The department shall annually review a sample of Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts, selected at random, to determine whether the parent or qualified student is in compliance with the terms of the contract, applicable laws, rules and orders relating to the Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts program. The Arizona empowerment scholarship account of a parent or qualified student who is in good standing may be randomly selected pursuant to this subsection only one time during any five-year period. The department may remove any parent or qualified student from eligibility for an Arizona empowerment scholarship account if the parent or qualified student fails to comply with the terms of the contract or applicable laws, rules or orders or knowingly misuses monies or knowingly fails to comply with the terms of the contract with intent to defraud and shall notify the treasurer. The department shall notify the treasurer to suspend the account of a parent or qualified student and shall notify the parent or qualified student in writing that the account has been suspended and that no further transactions will be allowed or disbursements made. The notification shall specify the reason for the suspension and state that the parent or qualified student has fifteen days, not including weekends, to respond and take corrective action. If the parent or qualified student refuses or fails to contact the department, furnish any information or make any report that may be required for reinstatement within the fifteen-day period, the department may remove the parent or qualified student pursuant to this subsection.

D. A parent may appeal to the state board of education any administrative decision the department makes pursuant to this article, including determinations of allowable expenses, removal from the program or enrollment eligibility. The department shall notify the parent in writing that the parent may appeal any administrative decision under this article and the process by which the parent may appeal at the same time the department notifies the parent of an administrative decision under this article. The state board of education shall establish an appeals process, and the department shall post this information on the department's website in the same location as the policy handbook developed pursuant to subsection K of this section.

E. A parent may represent himself or herself or designate a representative, not necessarily an attorney, before any appeals hearing held pursuant to this section. Any designated representative who is not an attorney admitted to practice may not charge for any services rendered in connection with the hearing. The fact that a representative participated in the hearing or assisted the account holder is not grounds for reversing any administrative decision or order if the evidence supporting the decision or order is substantial, reliable and probative.

F. The state board of education may refer cases of substantial misuse of monies to the attorney general for the purpose of collection or for the purpose of a criminal investigation if the state board of education obtains evidence of fraudulent use of an account.

G. The department shall make quarterly transfers of the amount calculated pursuant to section 15-2402, subsection C to the treasurer for deposit in the Arizona empowerment scholarship account of each qualified student, except the department may make transfers according to another transfer schedule if the department determines a transfer schedule other than quarterly transfers is necessary to operate the Arizona empowerment scholarship account.

H. The department shall accept applications between July 1 and June 30 of each year. The department shall issue an award letter to eligible applicants within thirty days after receipt of a completed application and all required documentation. If an eligible applicant completes an application in advance for an Arizona empowerment scholarship account to be funded beginning on a later date, the department may enroll the eligible applicant on the later date, except that the department may not enroll the applicant more than two fiscal quarters after the fiscal quarter in which the application is completed or on a date that is after March 31 and before July 1. If an eligible applicant completes an application after March 31 and before July 1, the department shall enroll the applicant on or after July 1. The department shall enroll all other eligible applicants when the department issues an award letter pursuant to this subsection. This subsection does not allow a qualified student to receive monies in an Arizona empowerment scholarship account while the qualified student is enrolled in a school district or charter school.  On or before September 1 and November 1 of each year, the department shall furnish to the joint legislative budget committee and the governor's office of strategic planning and budgeting an estimate of the amount required to fund Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts for the following fiscal year. The department shall include in its budget request for the following fiscal year the amount estimated pursuant to section 15-2402, subsection C for each qualified student.

I. The state board of education may adopt rules and policies necessary to administer Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts, including rules and policies:

1. For establishing an appeals process pursuant to subsection D of this section.

2. For conducting or contracting for examinations of the use of account monies, consistent with subsection L of this section.

3. For conducting or contracting for random, quarterly and annual reviews of accounts.

4. For establishing or contracting for the establishment of an online anonymous fraud reporting service.

5. For establishing an anonymous telephone hotline for fraud reporting.

6. That require a surety bond or insurance for account holders.

J. The department shall contract with an independent third party for the purposes of determining whether a qualified student is eligible to receive educational therapies or services pursuant to section 15-2402, subsection B, paragraph 4, subdivision (c).  If during any period on or after January 1, 2023 the department fails to ensure that a contract with an independent third party is in effect, during that period:

1. The county school superintendent of each county may approve a list of independent third parties within the county whose evaluation may be used to determine whether a qualified student who resides within the county is eligible to receive educational therapies or services pursuant to section 15-2402, subsection B, paragraph 4, subdivision (c).

2. If the county school superintendent of a county does not provide a list of approved independent third parties within ninety days after the beginning of any period during which the department does not have a contract with an independent third party in effect as described in this subsection, the parent of a qualified student who resides within the county has the right to obtain an independent educational evaluation from a qualified examiner to determine whether the qualified student is eligible to receive educational therapies or services pursuant to section 15-2402, subsection B, paragraph 4, subdivision (c). The expense for an educational evaluation undertaken pursuant to this paragraph shall be provided by the school district within which the qualified student resides and that serves the grade level of the qualified student. For the purposes of this paragraph, "qualified examiner" means a licensed physician, psychiatrist or psychologist.

K. On or before July 1 of each year, the department shall develop an applicant and participant handbook that includes information relating to policies and processes of Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts.  The policy handbook shall comply with the rules adopted by the state board of education pursuant to this section. The department shall post the handbook on the department's website.

L. The department shall:

1. Establish and maintain an online database of allowable and disallowed categories of expenses and provide a link to the database on the department's website.

2. Allow the use of account monies to reimburse the parent of a qualified student or a qualified student for the purchase of a good or educational service that is an allowable expense pursuant to section 15-2402, subsection B.

M. Except for cases in which the attorney general determines that a parent or account holder has committed fraud, any expenditure from an Arizona empowerment scholarship account for a purchase that the department determines is not an allowable expense pursuant to section 15-2402 and that is subsequently repaid by the parent or account holder shall be credited back to the Arizona empowerment scholarship account balance within thirty days after the receipt of payment.

N. If, in response to an appeal of an administrative decision made by the department, the state board of education issues a stay of an Arizona empowerment scholarship account suspension pursuant to rules adopted by the board, the department may not withhold funding or contract renewal for the account holder because of the appealed administrative decision during the stay unless directed by the board to do so.
A.R.S. § 15-260 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 2 / Article 3 / Section 260
15-260 State seal of personal finance proficiency program; requirements; diploma
Status: in_force

15-260. State seal of personal finance proficiency program; requirements; diploma

A. The superintendent of public instruction shall establish a state seal of personal finance proficiency program to recognize students who graduate from a school operated by a school district or a charter school located in this state and who have attained a high level of proficiency in personal finance.

B. The superintendent of public instruction shall:

1. Create a state seal of personal finance proficiency, which shall be affixed to the diploma and noted on the transcript of a student to recognize that the student has met the requirements prescribed in this section.

2. Deliver the state seal of personal finance proficiency to each public school district or charter school that participates in the program.

C. Any school district or charter school may voluntarily participate in the state seal of personal finance proficiency program by notifying the superintendent of public instruction of the school district's or charter school's intent to participate in the program.

D. Each school district governing board or charter school governing body that participates in the state seal of personal finance proficiency program shall:

1. Identify the students who have met the requirements to be awarded the state seal of personal finance proficiency.

2. Affix the state seal of personal finance proficiency to the diploma and note the receipt of the state seal of personal finance proficiency on the transcript of each student who meets those requirements.

E. The state board of education, in collaboration with any organization with expertise in finance or financial literacy, shall adopt minimum requirements for the program established pursuant to this section and may adopt rules as necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

F. A school district or charter school that participates in the state seal of personal finance proficiency program established pursuant to this section shall award a student, on graduation from high school, a high school diploma with a state seal of personal finance proficiency if the student meets both of the following requirements:

1. Successfully completes all social studies requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average in those classes of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent.

2. Demonstrates proficiency in personal finance by meeting the requirements adopted pursuant to subsection E of this section.
A.R.S. § 15-398 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 3 / Article 6 / Section 398
15-398 Career technical education districts; associate degrees; requirements; reports; definitions
Status: in_force

15-398. Career technical education districts; associate degrees; requirements; reports; definitions

A. Notwithstanding any other law, a career technical education district may offer associate degrees that are accredited by a regional or national accreditation agency approved by the United States department of education. Beginning on September 24, 2022, any career technical education district seeking to offer an associate degree program pursuant to this section shall apply for accreditation from a regional accreditation agency.

B. Each career technical education district that offers an associate degree program pursuant to this section must meet both of the following:

1. All applicable regional or national accreditation requirements.

2. All applicable state licensure requirements.

C. A career technical education district may offer associate degrees only for career technical education district programs that are on the in-demand regional education list compiled pursuant to section 15-393.  When determining whether to offer an associate degree program, the career technical education board shall make its determination based on all of the following criteria:

1. Whether the career technical education district is able to demonstrate industry demand for the associate degree program.

2. A financial analysis that shows the short-term and long-term impacts to initiate and sustain the associate degree program, including all of the following:

(a) The source of monies.

(b) Facilities requirements.

(c) Faculty.

(d) Personnel.

(e) Administrative costs.

3. Whether the associate degree program would unnecessarily duplicate the degree programs offered by other institutions of higher education in this state.

4. The ability of the career technical education district to support the associate degree program with and the adequacy of the facilities, faculty, administration, libraries and other resources.

D. A career technical education district that is located in the same county as the main campus of any public university or community college district and that is developing an associate degree program shall notify the public university or community college at least sixty days before submitting the report prescribed in subsection E of this section. Within thirty days after the date the career technical education district submits the notice, the public university or community college may provide a written response to the career technical education board for its review.  This subsection does not allow a public university or community college to prevent a career technical education district from offering an associate degree program.

E. Before the career technical education board authorizes an associate degree program, the career technical education district must submit a report to the career technical education board that includes all of the following information:

1. The name of the proposed academic degree program.

2. The academic department that will offer the proposed degree program.

3. Whether the instructional modality would be immersion or online, or both.

4. The total credit hours necessary to complete the proposed degree program.

5. The proposed inception term.

6. A brief description of the proposed degree program.

7. A learning outcomes and assessment plan, including:

(a) Concepts.

(b) Competencies.

(c) Assessment methods and measures.

8. The projected enrollment by year for the first three years the degree program is offered.

9. Evidence of market demand for the proposed degree program.

10. Similar degree programs offered at other institutions of higher education in this state.

11. The new resources required, including a long-term plan for faculty recruitment that indicates the ability to pay the salaries of faculty and identifies recruitment strategies for new faculty.

12. Any written responses provided by a public university or community college pursuant to subsection D of this section.

13. Proof of transferability of credits earned in the proposed degree program to another accredited institution for each program offered.

F. Each career technical education district that offers an associate degree program pursuant to this section shall submit a report to the joint legislative audit committee on or before October 1 of the fifth year after initially offering that associate degree program.  The report shall review the first five years of the associate degree program at the career technical education district and shall include all of the following:

1. The number of:

(a) Associate degree programs implemented at the career technical education district.

(b) Applicants to each associate degree program.

(c) Applicants who are admitted into each associate degree program.

(d) Applicants who are enrolled in each associate degree program.

(e) Applicants who received degrees from each associate degree program.

2. The costs of each associate degree program, including cost per degree and the funding sources that are used to finance each degree program.

3. Current trends in workforce demands that require associate degrees in each specific associate degree program offered.

4. Current completion and continuation rates, if available, for each cohort of students participating in each associate degree program.

5. The extent to which each associate degree program fulfills identified workforce needs for new associate degree programs.

6. Information on the job placement of graduates of each associate degree program.

7. For each associate degree program, the costs to students, the amount of financial aid offered and the student debt levels of graduates.

8. Time-to-degree rates and completion rates for each associate degree program.

G. On or before December 1 of each year, each career technical education district that offers an associate degree program shall report to the governor, the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives and the joint legislative budget committee all of the following information for the immediately preceding school year:

1. The total number of students pursuing an associate degree at the career technical education district pursuant to this section.

2. The total number of associate degrees completed at the career technical education district.

3. Workforce data showing demand for each associate degree program offered at the career technical education district.

4. The average cost of tuition per credit hour for each associate degree program offered at the career technical education district.

H. Each career technical education district that offers an associate degree program pursuant to this section shall provide the student, at the time of enrollment in a program, with a list of institutions to which the student's associate degree is transferable.

I. For the purposes of this section:

1. "Community college" has the same meaning prescribed in section 15-1401.

2. "Community college district" means a district as defined in section 15-1401.

3. "Main campus" means the central location of a public university's or community college district's library system and computer center.

4. "Public university" means a university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents.
A.R.S. § 15-328 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 328
15-328 Single administrative program
Status: in_force

15-328. Single administrative program

A. Any common school district and any high school district having common governing board membership and coterminous district boundaries may by resolution of each board provide for the operation of such school districts under a single administrative program.

B. Operation of school districts under a single administrative program shall be commenced on July 1 of any year. The county school superintendent and the superintendent of public instruction shall be notified at least forty-five days before the beginning of a fiscal year of intention to operate under a single administrative program.

C. For purposes of this section, "single administrative program" means that a common school district and a high school district as provided in subsection A may combine administrative functions including but not limited to land acquisition, construction of school buildings, employment of all persons engaged in the administration and operation of the common school district and the high school district, and purchase and use of equipment and services, provided such expenditures are properly prorated to the separate accounts of the common school districts and the high school districts. The proration shall also apply for budget purposes.

D. All other provisions of this title shall be complied with by each of the districts, except that for the purpose of school administration a single administrative program may be conducted.
A.R.S. § 15-502 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 502
15-502 Employment of school district personnel; payment of wages of discharged employee
Status: in_force

15-502. Employment of school district personnel; payment of wages of discharged employee

A. The governing board at any time may employ and fix the salaries and benefits of employees necessary for the succeeding year. The contracts of all certificated employees shall be in writing, and all employees shall be employed subject to section 38-481. The governing board may transmit and receive contracts of certificated employees in an electronic format and may accept electronic signatures on those contracts.  If a contract has not been transmitted to the certificated employee by the end of the current school year, the transmittal of an electronic contract to that certificated employee prior to the start of the next school year shall be submitted to both the certificated employee's school district e-mail as well as the certificated employee's personal e-mail in order to notify them of the offer of contract. Each certificated employee shall be responsible for submitting his or her personal e-mail to human resources personnel at the school district for this purpose.  Documents transmitted in an electronic format pursuant to this subsection shall be considered written documents for the purposes of sections 15-536 and 15-538.01.  The governing board may adopt requirements that require electronic signatures to be followed by original signatures within a specified time period.  A governing board that accepts an electronic signature for a certificated employee's contract shall provide validation to the certificated employee that the contract has been transmitted. The governing board may obtain the services of any employee, including teachers, substitute teachers and administrators, by contracting with a private entity that employs personnel required by the school district.

B. A teacher shall not be employed if the teacher has not received a certificate for teaching granted by the proper authorities. If a teacher has filed an application and completed all of the requirements for a certificate but time does not allow a teacher to receive a certificate before the commencement of employment, the conditional certificate shall serve as a certificate for the payment of wages, provided that the teacher files the conditional certificate with the county school superintendent and the certificate is issued within three months of the date of commencing employment. In order to be paid wages beyond the three-month period prescribed in this subsection, the teacher shall file the certificate with the county school superintendent.  Any contract issued to a teacher who has completed certificate requirements but has not received a certificate shall be specifically contingent on receipt of such a certificate. The governing board of a school district that is subject to section 15-914.01 shall adhere to the duties described in section 15-302, subsection A, paragraph 9 for purposes of this subsection.

C. No dependent, as defined in section 43-1001, of a governing board member may be employed in the school district in which the person to whom such dependent is so related is a governing board member, except by consent of the board.

D. The governing board may employ certificated teachers under contract as part-time classroom teachers. Notwithstanding any other statute, a certificated teacher who has been employed by the school district for more than the major portion of three consecutive school years does not lose the entitlement to the procedures prescribed in sections 15-538.01, 15-539 through 15-544 and 15-547 if the teacher is employed under contract on a part-time basis for at least forty per cent time. For the purposes of this subsection, "forty per cent time" means employed for at least forty per cent of the school day required of full-time teachers of the same grade level or for at least forty per cent of the class load assigned to full-time teachers of the same grade level, as determined by the governing board.

E. The governing board may employ a business manager who has expertise in finance.  For the purposes of this subsection, "expertise in finance" means one or more of the following:

1. A baccalaureate degree in accounting, finance, school finance or public finance.

2. A graduate degree in accounting, finance, school finance or public finance.

3. Other finance training or finance experience that the governing board determines is sufficient to qualify the person to administer the business operations of the school district.

F. Notwithstanding sections 23-351 and 23-353, if an employee is discharged from the service of a school district, the school district shall pay the wages due to the employee within ten calendar days from the date of discharge.

G. Each school district shall establish policies and procedures to provide teachers with personal liability insurance.

H. Notwithstanding any other law, a school district shall not adopt policies that provide employment retention priority for teachers based on tenure or seniority.
A.R.S. § 15-305 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 305
15-305 Accommodation schools; optional high school equivalency preparation instruction; requirements; definition
Status: in_force

15-305. Accommodation schools; optional high school equivalency preparation instruction; requirements; definition

A. A county school superintendent may offer high school equivalency preparation instruction through an accommodation school to students who are enrolled in the accommodation school in grade twelve, subject to the following requirements:

1. Before providing high school equivalency preparation instruction pursuant to this section, the county school superintendent shall obtain written consent from the student's parent or, if emancipated, the student.

2. Each student who participates in high school equivalency preparation instruction pursuant to this section must also be enrolled in a career and technical education course or program that leads to a certification, license or credential.

B. For the purposes of this section, "high school equivalency preparation instruction" means instruction that prepares students to pass the equivalency test adopted by the state board of education pursuant to section 15-702.
A.R.S. § 15-1824 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 14 / Article 2 / Section 1824
15-1824 Transfer articulation; course numbering; reports
Status: in_force

15-1824. Transfer articulation; course numbering; reports

A. The community college districts and universities shall cooperate in operating a statewide articulation and transfer system, including the process for transfer of lower division general education credits, general elective credits and curriculum requirements for approved majors, to facilitate the transfer of community college students to Arizona public universities without a loss of credit toward a baccalaureate degree and to ensure that the postsecondary education needs of students statewide are met without unnecessary duplication of programs.

B. The community college districts and the universities under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents shall develop and implement a shared numbering system which identifies courses that transfer from community colleges to Arizona public universities toward a baccalaureate degree.

C. The Arizona board of regents and the community college districts shall submit an annual report of their progress on both articulation and meeting statewide postsecondary education needs to the joint legislative budget committee on or before December 15 and shall provide a copy of this report to the secretary of state.
A.R.S. § 15-902.03 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 902.03
15-902.03 Procedures for determining average daily membership
Status: in_force

15-902.03. Procedures for determining average daily membership

A. The department of education shall recompute and aggregate average daily membership for the previous fiscal year no later than August 30.  The department shall inform school districts and charter schools of their final average daily membership no later than September 15. No later than November 1 of each year, state aid calculations for all school districts and charter schools for the previous fiscal year must be finalized and the budget limits for school districts must be adjusted. Any future adjustments in student counts, if discovered by the school district or charter school, shall be made pursuant to section 15-915.

B. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, school districts may continue to make budget adjustments pursuant to section 15-905 and make corrections pursuant to section 15-915.
A.R.S. § 15-1876 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 14 / Article 7 / Section 1876
15-1876 Higher education expenses; exemption from taxation
Status: in_force

15-1876. Higher education expenses; exemption from taxation

Notwithstanding any other law, the amount of any distribution to a designated beneficiary, as defined in section 529(e)(1) of the internal revenue code, from an individual trust account or savings account established under this article is exempt from taxation under title 43 but only to the extent that this income is used to pay qualified higher education expenses of the designated beneficiary.
A.R.S. § 15-106 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 106
15-106 Identity verified fingerprints
Status: in_force

15-106. Identity verified fingerprints

An applicant who applies for a new teaching certificate in order to teach in a school district, a participant in field experience or student teaching in this state, an applicant who applies for a renewal of an existing teaching certificate in order to continue teaching in a school district, an applicant who is required for the first time to be fingerprinted in order to teach in a charter school and an applicant who is required to renew fingerprints in order to continue teaching in a charter school pursuant to section 15-183, an applicant who is required to be fingerprinted pursuant to section 15-512 and any person who is contracted by this state, by a school district or by a charter school to provide tutoring services shall submit for an identity verified fingerprint card that will be used by the department of public safety to process the fingerprint clearance card pursuant to title 41, chapter 12, article 3.1 as follows:

1. The applicant shall submit a request for an application packet from the department of public safety.

2. The application packet shall be contained in an envelope specified by the department of public safety and shall include the following:

(a) A blank applicant fingerprint card.

(b) An application for a fingerprint clearance card.

(c) Instructions for the return of the application packet.

3. A school district or charter school may contract for fingerprinting services through an entity or entities and shall provide a copy of the instructions to the entity or entities as provided by the department of public safety regarding the submission of identity verified fingerprints.  If a school district or charter school elects to provide fingerprinting services, the school district or charter school shall authorize an individual employed by the school district or charter school to administer the services.

4. The department of public safety shall provide instructions to law enforcement agencies and public schools regarding the submission of identity verified fingerprints. The department of public safety shall reject the application for a fingerprint clearance card if the application is not correct or is not submitted according to the instructions provided by the department of public safety.

5. The applicant, at the time that identity verified fingerprints are taken, shall provide the law enforcement agency, school district, charter school or other entity with a completed application form for a fingerprint clearance card, the fingerprint card with the requisite demographic information and the required fee in the form of a money order or cashier's check made out to the department of public safety. The law enforcement agency, school district, charter school or other entity shall verify the identity of the applicant through recognized means of photographic identification and a comparison of the demographic information on the photographic identification against the demographic information on the application form and the fingerprint card.  The authorized person taking the fingerprints shall enter on the application form a description of the photographic identification presented by the applicant.  The law enforcement agency, school district, charter school or other entity shall place the completed fingerprint card, the completed application form or any other form required by the department of public safety and the fee provided by the applicant in the postage prepaid envelope provided by the department of public safety and mail it to the fingerprinting division in the department of public safety.  A law enforcement agency, school district, charter school or other entity may charge the applicant a reasonable fee for services provided pursuant to this section.

6. Fingerprints submitted electronically or through an internet-based system pursuant to section 41-1758.01 shall include a completed application for a fingerprint clearance card, the requisite applicant demographic information and the required fee, and shall be identity verified in accordance with instructions provided by the department of public safety.  The department shall reject the application for a fingerprint clearance card if the application is not correct or is not submitted according to the department's instructions. The entity or entities contracted by the department shall comply with:

(a) All information privacy and security measures and submission standards established by the department.

(b) The information technology security policy approved by the department.

7. The department of public safety shall process the application packet in the same manner prescribed for fingerprint clearance cards issued pursuant to title 41, chapter 12, article 3.1.

8. The department of public safety shall provide for digital storage and retrieval of identity verified fingerprints taken pursuant to this section. The fingerprints taken pursuant to this section shall be digitally designated in the fingerprint archive as identity verified fingerprint records.

9. A person who has a set of identity verified fingerprints on file with the department of public safety pursuant to this section shall not be required to submit a new set of fingerprints to the department of public safety to renew the person's fingerprint clearance card. On receipt of the required application form and fee for a renewal fingerprint clearance card from a person required to submit identity verified fingerprints, the department of public safety shall attempt to use the electronic copy of the applicant's identity verified fingerprints that are retained pursuant to this section to conduct the state and national criminal records checks. The department of public safety may require the applicant to submit a new set of identity verified fingerprints if the department of public safety determines that the original fingerprints submitted have been lost or damaged or are found to be otherwise of insufficient quality to conduct a valid technical fingerprint search either by the department of public safety or the federal bureau of investigation.

10. A person who participates in a teacher preparation program that is approved by the state board of education and who does not participate in field experience or student teaching in this state shall not be required to obtain a fingerprint clearance card pursuant to this section.
A.R.S. § 15-104 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 104
15-104 Mental health screening; consent; form; exemption
Status: in_force

15-104. Mental health screening; consent; form; exemption

A. Before it conducts a mental health screening on any pupil, defined as a survey, analysis or evaluation created by a governmental or private third party pursuant to the protection of pupil rights amendment (20 United States Code section 1232h; 34 Code of Federal Regulations part 98), a school district or charter school must have obtained the written consent of the pupil's parent or legal guardian.  The written consent must satisfy all of the following requirements:

1. Contain language that clearly explains the nature of the screening program and when and where the screening will take place.

2. Be signed by the pupil's parent or legal guardian.

3. Provide notice that a copy of the actual survey, analysis or evaluation questions to be asked of the student is available for inspection upon request by the parent or legal guardian.

B. The chemical abuse and related gang activity survey conducted by the Arizona criminal justice commission pursuant to section 41-2416 is exempt from the provisions of this section if the survey does not include questions related to depression or religiosity.
A.R.S. § 15-211 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 2 / Article 1 / Section 211
15-211 K-3 reading program; dyslexia specialist; dyslexia training; receipt and use of monies; additional funding; annual report
Status: in_force

15-211. K-3 reading program; dyslexia specialist; dyslexia training; receipt and use of monies; additional funding; annual report

A. The department of education shall administer a K-3 reading program to improve the reading proficiency of pupils in kindergarten programs and grades one, two and three in the public schools of this state.

B. The department of education shall designate a dyslexia specialist for the department to provide school districts and charter schools with support and resources that are necessary to assist students with dyslexia.

C. On or before July 1, 2022, each school district and charter school shall ensure that at least one kindergarten through third grade teacher, literacy coach or literacy specialist in each school has received training related to dyslexia that complies with the requirements prescribed in section 15-219.

D. Each school district and charter school shall submit to the department of education a plan for improving the reading proficiency of the school district's or the charter school's pupils in kindergarten programs and grades one, two and three. The plan shall include baseline data on the reading proficiency of the school district's or the charter school's pupils in kindergarten programs and grades one, two and three and a budget for spending monies from both the K-3 support level weight and the K-3 reading support level weight established in section 15-943. Each school district and charter school shall annually submit to the department of education on or before October 1 an updated K-3 reading program plan that includes data on program expenditures and results.

E. School districts and charter schools shall use monies generated by the K-3 reading support level weight established in section 15-943 only on instructional purposes based on the plan submitted pursuant to subsection D of this section intended to improve reading proficiency for pupils in kindergarten programs and grades one, two and three with particular emphasis on pupils in kindergarten programs and grades one and two.

F. Each school district and charter school that is assigned a letter grade of C, D or F pursuant to section 15-241 or that has more than ten percent of its pupils in grade three who do not demonstrate sufficient reading skills as established by the state board of education according to the reading portion of the statewide assessment shall receive monies generated by the K-3 reading support level weight established in section 15-943 only after the K-3 reading program plan of the school district or charter school has been submitted, reviewed and recommended for approval by the department of education and approved by the state board. The state board must give approval to a school district or charter school before any portion of the monies generated by the K-3 reading support level weight may be distributed to the school district or charter school pursuant to this subsection.

G. Pupils in a charter school that is in its first year of operation and that is sponsored by the state board of education, the state board for charter schools, a university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents, a community college district or a group of community college districts are eligible for the K-3 reading support level weight.

H. The department of education shall solicit gifts, grants and donations from any lawful public or private source in order to provide additional funding for the K-3 reading program.

I. The state board of education may establish rules and policies for the K-3 reading program, including:

1. The proper use of monies in accordance with subsection E of this section.

2. The distribution of monies by the department of education in accordance with subsection D of this section.

3. The compliance of reading proficiency plans submitted pursuant to subsection D of this section with section 15-704.

J. Pursuant to subsection I of this section, the department of education shall develop program implementation guidance for school districts and charter schools to assist schools in administering an effective K-3 evidence-based reading program plan. This guidance shall include identifying and recommending appropriate program expenditures, providing technical oversight and assistance for annually updating reading program plans, selecting and adopting evidence-based reading curricula and providing and promoting teacher professional development that is based on evidence-based reading research.  The department shall prioritize supports and interventions, including enrollment in reading trainings and professional development, for school districts and charter schools that have the highest percentage of pupils who do not demonstrate sufficient reading skills as established by the state board of education. The department shall deposit any monies received for offering reading trainings or professional development, including coaching, in the department of education professional development revolving fund established by section 15-237.01.

K. On or before December 15, the department of education shall submit an annual report on the K-3 reading program to the governor, the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives and shall provide a copy of this annual report to the secretary of state, the state board of education and the chairpersons of the education committees of the senate and the house of representatives. The report shall contain all of the following:

1. Information on the improvement of K-3 reading in this state, including achievement data statewide and achievement data at the school district and charter school level. The information pursuant to this paragraph shall include data and information on continued proficiency on the statewide assessment in subsequent grades.

2. A description of the activities of the department to support school districts and charter schools in improving K-3 reading.

3. Specific findings on methods by which the department may continue to improve support and assistance for school districts and charter schools in the administration of K-3 reading program plans.

4. Information and data on K-3 reading program plans throughout this state and the expenditure of K-3 reading monies by school districts and charter schools.

5. Data reported pursuant to section 15-701, subsection A, paragraph 2, subdivision (d).
A.R.S. § 15-1895 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 14 / Article 10 / Section 1895
15-1895 Voting information; postsecondary students
Status: in_force

15-1895. Voting information; postsecondary students

The Arizona board of regents in consultation with the recognized student government of the universities under its jurisdiction and each community college district governing board in consultation with the recognized student government at a community college under its jurisdiction shall adopt a plan to increase student voter registration and voting in elections that includes:

1. Information about on-campus voter registration and voting opportunities made available in at least one of the following methods:

(a) During new student orientation.

(b) During the issuance of student identification cards.

(c) In admissions packets.

2. Voter registration materials at central campus locations and high traffic areas.

3. Broad dissemination of information regarding:

(a) Voter registration deadlines.

(b) Deadlines for delivering ballots by mail.

4. Links on institutional and administrative websites that direct students to voter registration websites.

5. Directions on institutional and administrative websites that detail the voter registration process.

6. Reasonable accommodations to county election officials for on-campus polling locations.

7. Encouragement to student government organizations to coordinate activities aimed at increasing voter registration and election turnout.

8. Policies, consistent with section 16-402, to allow excused absence from classes for the purpose of voting.

9. In accordance with section 15-1633, policies that prohibit the use of university resources and employees to influence elections.

10. An emphasis on efficiency and conservation of resources, including reduced use of paper handouts and increased use of electronic communication.
A.R.S. § 15-711.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 711.01
15-711.01 Instruction; child assault awareness; abuse prevention
Status: in_force

15-711.01. Instruction; child assault awareness; abuse prevention

(L21, Ch. 404, sec. 21)

Notwithstanding any other law, age-appropriate and grade-appropriate classroom instruction regarding child assault awareness and abuse prevention is allowed.
A.R.S. § 15-1204 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 10 / Article 7 / Section 1204
15-1204 Voucher; application; approval; requirements; budgets; prohibited uses; advances
Status: in_force

15-1204. Voucher; application; approval; requirements; budgets; prohibited uses; advances

A. When an institution decides to place a person in an institutional special education program, the institution, upon application to and approval by the division of special education, shall have a permanent special education institutional voucher issued pursuant to this article to pay the special education instructional costs of the person at the institution.

B. When an institution decides to place a person who resides in the institution in a school special education program, the school, upon application to and approval by the division of special education, shall have a permanent special education institutional voucher issued pursuant to this article to pay the special education instructional costs of the person in the school.

C. No person residing in an institution and attending a school may have a certificate of educational convenience issued pursuant to section 15-825, subsection A.

D. The director of the division of special education shall develop requirements for the approval of vouchers, pursuant to this section, including the requirement that the person be educationally evaluated.

E. If approved, the voucher, in an amount not exceeding the sum of the following, shall be paid directly to the institution or deposited with the county treasurer to the credit of the school, with notice to the county school superintendent:

1. For group A, the base level multiplied by two.

2. For group B, the sum of the base for kindergarten through eight and the support level weight for the category, multiplied by the base level.

3. For both group A and group B, one hundred dollars for capital outlay costs and fifty dollars for transportation costs.

F. The budget format developed cooperatively between the department of child safety and the department of education pursuant to section 8-503 shall be used by the institutions to determine and segregate residential costs from educational instructional costs.

G. If sufficient appropriated monies are available and upon a showing by an institution that additional state monies are necessary for current expenses, an advance apportionment of state aid may be paid to an institution. In no event shall an institution have received more than three-fourths of its total apportionment under this section before May 1 of the fiscal year. Early payments pursuant to this subsection must be approved by the state treasurer, the director of the department of administration and the superintendent of public instruction.

H. Notwithstanding subsection G of this section, when making the April payment to an institution, the department of education may include an additional amount based on an estimate of monies payable to the institution in May. Before the department of education apportions monies to the institution in June, it shall adjust the June payment to account for any discrepancies between the monies actually paid in April and May and the amount which should have been paid. If an overpayment in May exceeds the total amount payable in June, the institution shall refund to the department of education an amount equal to the overpayment within sixty days of notification of the overpayment. If the overpayment is not refunded within sixty days by the institution, the superintendent of public instruction shall reduce the state aid entitlement to the institution for the succeeding fiscal year to recover any overpayment of state aid received during the current fiscal year.

I. Any special education institutional voucher issued pursuant to this article shall not be used in any school or institution that discriminates on the basis of race, religion, creed, color or national origin.

J. The state board of education may withhold state aid from an institution for noncompliance with any applicable statute or any applicable rule adopted by the state board.