A.R.S. § 15-154.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 5 / Section 154.01
15-154.01 Character education matching grant program
Status: in_force

15-154.01. Character education matching grant program

A. Any public or charter school that teaches a character education curriculum pursuant to section 15-719 is eligible for a state matching grant. The school shall provide matching monies from any lawful source, except that the school shall not use resources obtained from a federal character education grant as matching monies to obtain a second state character education grant.

B. The character education program shall be an age-specific, stand-alone character education curriculum with the following elements:

1. Applicable definitions for character qualities that include at least five of the following attributes:

(a) Attentiveness.

(b) Caring.

(c) Citizenship.

(d) Compassion.

(e) Diligence.

(f) Discernment.

(g) Forgiveness.

(h) Generosity.

(i) Gratefulness.

(j) Initiative.

(k) Orderliness.

(l) Respect.

(m) Responsibility.

(n) Sincerity.

(o) Trustworthiness.

(p) Virtue.

(q) Wisdom.

2. Activities that provide a forum for practical application and an environment in which character-related behavior is identified, recognized and reinforced, such as literature or visual media presentations or discussion of character values as they relate to a specific story.

3. Stories from the lives of our nation's leaders in which character qualities are demonstrated.

4. Mentors or teachers who demonstrate the character qualities defined in the lessons presented.

5. Mentor and teacher training for praising students who demonstrate specific character qualities.

6. A precourse and postcourse survey of parents, teachers and students on their assessment of the program.

C. The department of education shall administer the program and distribute the state matching grant monies.  The department may annually retain up to seven per cent of the state matching grant monies for the cost of administering the program.  Programs must demonstrate proven and effective curriculum and training to receive matching grant funds.

D. The department of education shall distribute the state matching grant monies under this section for services provided by organizations that have been previously preapproved as providers of proven and effective programs.  Grant applications submitted by schools:

1. Shall be submitted to the department of education and shall list a selected preapproved program provider.

2. Shall be fairly and objectively reviewed and approved by a technical evaluation team that is appointed by the procurement division of the department of education and that is composed of representatives from the department of education, the education community, the business community and nonprofit organizations.

3. Are subject to the procurement laws of this state.

E. The department of education shall apply for all applicable character education grants from the federal government.

F. The department of education shall evaluate the effectiveness of all character education programs funded by state and federal resources.
A.R.S. § 15-1491 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 12 / Article 5 / Section 1491
15-1491 Supplemental nature of article; construction and purpose
Status: in_force

15-1491. Supplemental nature of article; construction and purpose

The powers conferred by this article shall be in addition to and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law, general or special, and bonds may be issued under the provisions of this article notwithstanding the provisions of and without regard to the procedure required by any other such law. Insofar as the provisions of this article are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, general or special, the provisions of this article shall be controlling.
A.R.S. § 15-802 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 802
15-802 School instruction; exceptions; violations; classification; definitions
Status: in_force

15-802. School instruction; exceptions; violations; classification; definitions

A. Every child between the ages of six and sixteen years shall attend a school and shall be provided instruction in at least the subjects of reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies and science.  The person who has custody of the child shall choose a public, private or charter school or a homeschool as defined in this section to provide instruction or shall sign a contract to participate in an Arizona empowerment scholarship account pursuant to section 15-2402.

B. The parent or person who has custody shall do the following:

1. If the child will attend a public, private or charter school, enroll the child in and ensure that the child attends a public, private or charter school for the full time school is in session.  In accordance with guidelines adopted by the department of education, school districts and charter schools shall require and maintain verifiable documentation of residency in this state for pupils who enroll in the school district or charter school.  If a child attends a school that is operated on a year-round basis, the child shall regularly attend during school sessions that total not less than one hundred eighty school days or two hundred school days, as applicable, or the equivalent as approved by the superintendent of public instruction.

2. If the child will attend a private school or homeschool, file an affidavit of intent with the county school superintendent stating that the child is attending a regularly organized private school or is being provided with instruction in a homeschool.  The affidavit of intent shall include:

(a) The child's name.

(b) The child's date of birth.

(c) The current address of the school the child is attending.

(d) The names, telephone numbers and addresses of the persons who currently have custody of the child.

3. If the child will attend homeschool, the child has not reached eight years of age by September 1 of the school year and the person who has custody of the child does not desire to begin home instruction until the child has reached eight years of age, file an affidavit of intent pursuant to paragraph 2 of this subsection stating that the person who has custody of the child does not desire to begin homeschool instruction.

C. An affidavit of intent shall be filed within thirty days from the time the child begins to attend a private school or homeschool and is not required thereafter unless the private school or the homeschool instruction is terminated and then resumed.  The person who has custody of the child shall notify the county school superintendent within thirty days of the termination that the child is no longer being instructed at a private school or a homeschool.  If the private school or homeschool instruction is resumed, the person who has custody of the child shall file another affidavit of intent with the county school superintendent within thirty days.

D. A person is excused from the duties prescribed by subsection A or B of this section if any of the following is shown to the satisfaction of the school principal or the school principal's designee:

1. The child is in such physical or mental condition that instruction is inexpedient or impracticable.

2. The child has completed the high school course of study necessary for completion of grade ten as prescribed by the state board of education.

3. The child has presented reasons for nonattendance at a public school that are satisfactory to the school principal or the school principal's designee.  For the purposes of this paragraph, the principal's designee may be the school district governing board.

4. The child is over fourteen years of age and is employed, with the consent of the person who has custody of the child, at some lawful wage earning occupation.

5. The child is enrolled in a work training, career education, career and technical education, vocational education or manual training program that meets the educational standards established and approved by the department of education.

6. The child was either:

(a) Suspended and not directed to participate in an alternative education program.

(b) Expelled from a public school as provided in article 3 of this chapter.

7. The child is enrolled in an education program provided by a state educational or other institution.

E. Unless otherwise exempted in this section or section 15-803, a parent of a child between six and sixteen years of age or a person who has custody of a child, who does not provide instruction in a homeschool and who fails to enroll or fails to ensure that the child attends a public, private or charter school pursuant to this section or fails to sign a contract to participate in an empowerment scholarship account pursuant to section 15-2402 is guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.  A parent who fails to comply with the duty to file an affidavit of intent to provide instruction in a homeschool is guilty of a petty offense.

F. If a child will be educated pursuant to an empowerment scholarship account pursuant to section 15-2402, the department of education shall provide a list of students participating in empowerment scholarship accounts to the school superintendent of the county where the pupil resides.

G. For the purposes of this section:

1. "Educated pursuant to an empowerment scholarship account" means a child whose parent has signed a contract pursuant to section 15-2402 to educate the child outside of any school district or charter school and in which the parent may but is not required to enroll the child in a private school or to educate the child through any of the methods specified in section 15-2402.

2. "Homeschool" means a nonpublic school conducted primarily by the parent, guardian or other person who has custody of the child or nonpublic instruction provided in the child's home.

3. "Private school" means a nonpublic institution, other than the child's home, where academic instruction is provided for at least the same number of days and hours each year as a public school.
A.R.S. § 15-426 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 4 / Article 2 / Section 426
15-426 Tally and canvass of votes; certificate of election; oath of office
Status: in_force

15-426. Tally and canvass of votes; certificate of election; oath of office

A. The officers of a special election shall, as soon as the polls are closed, tally the votes cast, enclose one list of the persons voting and one copy of the tally sheet in a cover and seal and direct the cover and its contents to the county school superintendent. The inspector shall place in the ballot box one list of the persons voting, one copy of the tally sheets and the ballots. The inspector shall lock the ballot box until the county school superintendent and the chairman of the board of supervisors meet to canvass the returns. Unless otherwise specified in this title, the officers of a regular school election shall proceed in the manner provided in title 16 for the tally of votes.

B. The county school superintendent and the chairman of the board of supervisors shall meet within thirty days, unless otherwise specified in this title, following the date of any school election and canvass the returns in accordance with procedures for the canvass of returns in a general election. The county school superintendent shall declare the results of the election, shall declare elected the person receiving the highest number of votes for each office to be filled, and shall issue to him a certificate of election.

C. When each governing board member elected subscribes to the oath of office attached to the certificate, it shall be forwarded on the same day to the county school superintendent. Members of governing boards may administer the oath of office to each other.
A.R.S. § 15-1741 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 13 / Article 8 / Section 1741
15-1741 Definitions
Status: in_force

15-1741. Definitions

In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Board" means the Arizona board of regents or its successor.

2. "Commission" means the western interstate commission for higher education.

3. "Compact" means the compact for western regional cooperation in higher education.
A.R.S. § 15-1155 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 10 / Article 4 / Section 1155
15-1155 Records, reports, regulations, audits and inspections by state board of education
Status: in_force

15-1155. Records, reports, regulations, audits and inspections by state board of education

The state board of education shall prescribe regulations for keeping accounts and records and making reports, under the supervision of governing boards. The accounts and records shall be available at all times for inspection and audit by authorized officials and shall be preserved for a period, not exceeding five years, as prescribed by the state board. The state board shall conduct or cause to be conducted audits, inspections and administrative reviews of accounts, records and operations as are necessary to determine whether the school meal programs are being administered according to the provisions of this article and the regulations made by the state board.
A.R.S. § 15-1330 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 11 / Article 2 / Section 1330
15-1330 Personnel; fingerprinting; immunity
Status: in_force

15-1330. Personnel; fingerprinting; immunity

A. The board of directors shall require the superintendent to have a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to title 41, chapter 12, article 3.1. Certificated personnel employed by the schools shall have valid fingerprint clearance cards issued pursuant to title 41, chapter 12, article 3.1 or shall apply for a fingerprint clearance card within seven working days after employment.

B. Noncertificated personnel employed by the schools and nonpaid personnel working in the schools shall be fingerprinted as a condition of employment for the purpose of obtaining state and federal criminal records checks.  Noncertificated employees and nonpaid personnel who do not have a valid fingerprint clearance card shall submit fingerprints on the form prescribed by the school to the superintendent within twenty days after the date the person begins work. Employment with the schools is conditioned on the results of the fingerprint check. Fingerprint checks shall be conducted pursuant to section 41-1750 and Public Law 92-544. The department of public safety may exchange this fingerprint data with the federal bureau of investigation.

C. The schools may charge the employee or nonpaid personnel for the costs of the fingerprint checks.

D. Personnel employed by the schools shall certify on forms that are provided by the schools that they are not awaiting trial on and have never been convicted of or admitted in open court or pursuant to a plea agreement of committing any criminal offenses in this state or similar offenses in another state or jurisdiction as specified in section 41-1758.03, subsections B and C.

E. Before employment, the schools shall make documented, good faith efforts to contact previous employers of personnel to obtain information and recommendations that may be relevant to a person's fitness for employment. For certificated personnel, the schools may also contact the department of education to obtain information that is contained in the person's certification record and that may be relevant to the person's fitness for employment. For persons in other positions that require licensing, the schools may also contact the agency that issued the license for information relevant to the person's fitness for employment. Agencies and previous employers that provide information pursuant to this subsection are immune from civil liability unless the information provided is false and is acted on to the detriment of the employment applicant by the schools and the previous employer or agency knows the information is false or acts with reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the information. Employees who rely on information obtained pursuant to this subsection in making employment decisions are immune from civil liability unless the information obtained is false and the employee knows the information is false or acts with reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the information.

F. The superintendent shall notify the department of public safety if the superintendent receives credible evidence that a person who possesses a valid fingerprint clearance card either:

1. Is arrested for or charged with an offense listed in section 41-1758.03, subsection B.

2. Falsified information on the form required by subsection D of this section.
A.R.S. § 15-946 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 9 / Article 3 / Section 946
15-946 Transportation revenue control limit
Status: in_force

15-946. Transportation revenue control limit

A. The transportation revenue control limit for each school district for the fiscal years 1985-1986, 1986-1987 and 1987-1988 is computed as follows:

1. Determine the adopted operational expenditure budget for pupil transportation for the fiscal year 1984-1985 effective January 1, 1985.

2. Determine the transportation revenue control limit for the school district for the fiscal year 1984-1985 as provided in this section before April 18, 1985.

3. If the school district's transportation revenue control limit for the fiscal year 1984-1985 as provided in paragraph 2 of this subsection is equal to or greater than the amount determined in paragraph 1 of this subsection, the transportation revenue control limit for the fiscal year 1985-1986 is the change in the transportation support level from the fiscal year 1984-1985 to the fiscal year 1985-1986 plus the transportation revenue control limit for the fiscal year 1984-1985 as provided in paragraph 2 of this subsection. For the fiscal years 1986-1987 and 1987-1988 the transportation revenue control limit is the transportation revenue control limit for the current year plus the change in the transportation support level for the current year to the budget year.

4. If the school district's transportation revenue control limit for the fiscal year 1984-1985 as provided in paragraph 2 of this subsection is less than the amount determined in paragraph 1 of this subsection, the transportation revenue control limit for the fiscal year 1985-1986 is the sum of the following:

(a) The transportation revenue control limit for the school district for the fiscal year 1984-1985 as provided in paragraph 2 of this subsection.

(b) The change in the transportation support level from the fiscal year 1984-1985 to the fiscal year 1985-1986.

(c) One-third of the amount obtained by subtracting the transportation revenue control limit for fiscal year 1984-1985 as provided in paragraph 2 of this subsection from the amount determined in paragraph 1 of this subsection.

5. If the transportation revenue control limit of the school district for the fiscal year 1984-1985 as provided in paragraph 2 of this subsection is less than the amount determined in paragraph 1 of this subsection, the transportation revenue control limit for the fiscal years 1986-1987 and 1987-1988 is the sum of the following:

(a) The transportation revenue control limit for the current year.

(b) The change in the transportation support level from the current year to the budget year.

(c) One-third of the amount obtained by subtracting the transportation revenue control limit for the fiscal year 1984-1985 as provided in paragraph 2 of this subsection from the amount determined in paragraph 1 of this subsection.

B. The transportation revenue control limit for each school district for the fiscal year 1988-1989 and each year thereafter shall be the transportation revenue control limit for the current year plus the increase in the transportation support level from the current year to the budget year, except that for fiscal year 2006-2007 and for each fiscal year thereafter, the transportation revenue control limit shall not increase if the transportation revenue control limit is more than one hundred twenty per cent of the transportation support level.

C. Notwithstanding subsection B of this section, if the transportation support level of a school district exceeds the transportation revenue control limit in any budget year, the transportation revenue control limit shall be adjusted in that budget year and every budget year thereafter to equal the transportation support level.
A.R.S. § 15-231.03 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 2 / Article 2 / Section 231.03
15-231.03 School safety survey report
Status: in_force

15-231.03. School safety survey report

On or before September 15, 2007, and every four years thereafter, the department of education shall conduct a random survey of school districts on school safety and submit a written report that summarizes the results to the governor, the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives and submit a copy of this report to the Arizona state library, archives and public records.
A.R.S. § 15-714.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 714.01
15-714.01 Arizona gun safety program course
Status: in_force

15-714.01. Arizona gun safety program course

A. In addition to the voluntary training in the use of bows and firearms prescribed in sections 15-713 and 15-714, any school district or charter school may offer as an elective course a one semester, one credit course in firearm marksmanship that shall be designated as the Arizona gun safety program course.

B. A pupil shall be deemed to have satisfactorily completed the Arizona gun safety program course by demonstrating that the pupil has the ability to safely discharge a firearm as defined in section 13-3101.

C. The course of instruction prescribed in this section shall be jointly developed by the Arizona game and fish commission, the department of public safety and private firearms organizations and may include materials provided by private youth organizations. At a minimum, the Arizona gun safety program course shall include each of the following:

1. Instruction on the rules of firearm safety.

2. Instruction on the basic operation of firearms.

3. Instruction on the history of firearms and marksmanship.

4. Instruction on the role of firearms in preserving peace and freedom.

5. Instruction on the constitutional roots of the right to keep and bear arms.

6. Instruction on the use of clay targets.

7. Practice time at a shooting range.

8. Actual demonstration by the pupil of competence with a firearm as defined in section 13-3101 by safely discharging the firearm at one or more targets.

D. School districts and charter schools shall arrange for adequate use of shooting range time by pupils in the Arizona gun safety program course at any established shooting range.

E. Pupils who satisfactorily complete the Arizona gun safety program course shall receive a certificate of accomplishment.

F. A person who is currently certified as a firearms safety instructor by the Arizona game and fish department, the national rifle association, a federal, state or local law enforcement agency, a branch of the United States military, a federal agency, the reserve officer training corps, the junior reserve officer training corps or the civilian marksmanship program is qualified to teach the Arizona gun safety program course.

G. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or expand the liability of any person under other provisions of law.
A.R.S. § 15-766 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 766
15-766 Evaluation of child for placement in special education program; due process hearing procedures
Status: in_force

15-766. Evaluation of child for placement in special education program; due process hearing procedures

A. A special education referral shall be made under the direction of the chief administrative official of the school district or county, or such person officially designated as responsible for special education, after consultation with the parent or guardian.

B. Before a child who is suspected of having a disability is placed in a special education program, an evaluation shall be made in accordance with the individuals with disabilities education act (20 United States Code section 1414) to determine whether a child is a child with a disability.  A school district or charter school shall specify explicitly in the official notification to any parent that an initial evaluation may be conducted that the parent has the option to consent or refuse the initial evaluation in accordance with the individuals with disabilities education act (20 United States Code sections 615 and 1414).  This evaluation shall be conducted within sixty days after receiving parental consent for the evaluation.  A reevaluation shall be conducted not more than once each year, unless the parent and the public education agency otherwise agree, and at least every three years if the public educational agency determines that the educational or related services needs of the child warrant a reevaluation, or if the child’s parents or teacher requests a reevaluation, unless the parent and the public education agency agree that a reevaluation is unnecessary.

C. Any evaluation components that are appropriate to consider under the specific circumstances may be shared by and among state agencies for the purpose of expediting completion of the evaluation and placement process.

D. The chief administrative official of the school district or county or the person officially designated as responsible for special education shall place the child, based upon the consensus recommendation of the individualized education program team and subject to due process pursuant to 20 United States Code section 1415, except that a child shall not be placed in a special education program without the written consent of the child's parent or guardian.

E. The due process hearing procedures prescribed in this section extend to the parents of a child, a student who has reached the age of majority or the public educational agency or agencies involved in any decisions regarding the student.  All due process hearings shall be conducted in accordance with federal and state laws governing the educational rights of children with known or suspected disabilities.  The state board of education shall adopt rules for implementing this section that comply with the following:

1. The parent, the adult student or the public educational agency or agencies may initiate due process hearing procedures under either of the following circumstances:

(a) There is a proposal to initiate or change the identification, evaluation or educational placement of the child, or the provision of a free appropriate public education to the child.

(b) There is a refusal to initiate or change the identification, evaluation or educational placement of the child, or the provision of a free appropriate public education to the child.

2. Either the parent, the adult student or the public educational agency or agencies may initiate a due process hearing by submitting a written request to the state educational agency and the public educational agency involved in any decisions regarding the student.  The state educational agency shall provide a model form that any party may use in requesting a due process hearing.  The public educational agency shall promptly forward any requests received to the state educational agency.  Any request received by the state educational agency shall be transmitted immediately to the office of administrative hearings and the public educational agency.

3. A decision made in a hearing conducted pursuant to this section shall be final, except that any party involved in a hearing may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction without regard to the amount in controversy.

F. The public educational agency shall pay all costs incurred by the office of administrative hearings associated with any hearing conducted pursuant to this section and the public educational agency or a public agency pool operated pursuant to section 11-952.01 in which the public educational agency participates shall contract with the office of administrative hearings for this purpose.

G. Title 41, chapter 6, article 10 shall apply to all hearings to the extent not inconsistent with this section and federal and state law regarding the education of students with disabilities.
A.R.S. § 15-154.02 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 5 / Section 154.02
15-154.02 Emergency response plans; school safety assessments; approved providers; triennial safety assessments
Status: in_force

15-154.02. Emergency response plans; school safety assessments; approved providers; triennial safety assessments

A. Each school district and charter school that receives monies pursuant to section 15-154 for an approved school safety program shall do both of the following:

1. Develop an emergency response plan pursuant to section 15-341, subsection A, paragraph 31 or section 15-183, subsection E, paragraph 10 to satisfy the requirements prescribed in this paragraph.

2. Every five years, contract with a school safety assessment provider from the list compiled pursuant to subsection B of this section to conduct a school safety assessment, including an assessment of the physical security of each school site and a review of the emergency response plan for each school site.

B. The department of education shall compile a list of approved school safety assessment providers and shall make the list available to school districts and charter schools that participate in the school safety program established by section 15-154.

C. Every three years, the department of education shall select a random sample of school districts and charter schools that are participating in the school safety program established by section 15-154 and shall conduct a safety assessment of the selected school districts and charter schools. The department shall provide a copy of the safety assessment results to the respective school district's governing board or charter school's governing body and the administrators of each school site that was assessed.
A.R.S. § 15-181 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 8 / Section 181
15-181 Charter schools; purpose; scope
Status: in_force

15-181. Charter schools; purpose; scope

A. Charter schools may be established pursuant to this article to provide a learning environment that will improve pupil achievement. Charter schools provide additional academic choices for parents and pupils. Charter schools may consist of new schools or all or any portion of an existing school. Charter schools are public schools that serve as alternatives to traditional public schools and charter schools are not subject to the requirements of article XI, section 1, Constitution of Arizona, or title 41, chapter 56.

B. Charter schools shall comply with all provisions of this article in order to receive state funding as prescribed in section 15-185.
A.R.S. § 15-1693 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 13 / Article 5 / Section 1693
15-1693 Bonds as legal investments
Status: in_force

15-1693. Bonds as legal investments

The state and all counties, cities, towns and other municipal corporations, political subdivisions and public bodies, and public officers of any thereof, all banks, bankers, trust companies, savings banks and institutions, building and loan associations, investment companies and other persons carrying on a banking business, all insurance companies, insurance associations and other persons carrying on an insurance business and all executors, administrators, guardians, trustees and other fiduciaries may legally invest any debt service funds, monies or other funds belonging to them or within their control in any bonds issued pursuant to this article, it being the purpose of this section to authorize the investment in such bonds of all debt service, insurance, retirement compensation, pension and trust funds, whether owned or controlled by private or public persons or officers, except that nothing contained in this section may be construed as relieving any person, firm or corporation from any duty of exercising reasonable care in selecting securities for purchase or investment.
A.R.S. § 15-249.08 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 2 / Article 2 / Section 249.08
15-249.08 Training program; law enforcement officers and security personnel; certification; definitions
Status: in_force

15-249.08. Training program; law enforcement officers and security personnel; certification; definitions

(Eff. 7/1/26)

A. The department of education, in collaboration with the Arizona peace officer standards and training board, shall establish a training program for law enforcement officers and security personnel who are employed by a school district or charter school in this state. The department shall provide a certificate of completion to each individual who successfully completes the training program.

B. Each school district in this state shall require any law enforcement officer or security personnel employed by the school district, including employment through a third-party contractor, to complete the training program established pursuant to subsection A of this section not later than one month after the individual begins working for the school district.  An individual who successfully completed the training program less than two years before the date on which the individual begins working for the school district is not required to complete the training program if the individual submits to the school district a valid certificate of completion. A school district may terminate a school district employee or a third-party contractor who fails to complete the training program required by this subsection. A charter school may choose to require a law enforcement officer or security officer employed by the charter school, including employment through a third-party contractor, to complete the training program established pursuant to subsection A of this section.

C. For the purposes of this section:

1. "Law enforcement officer":

(a) Means a peace officer, school resource officer or school safety officer who is employed by a school district or charter school in an off-duty capacity.

(b) Does not include a peace officer who is assigned to work on off-duty security detail or a school resource officer who is assigned to a school district or charter school pursuant to the school safety program established by section 15-154.

2. "School safety officer" means a school resource officer who is working in an off-duty capacity.
A.R.S. § 15-961 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 9 / Article 4 / Section 961
15-961 District additional assistance; growth rate
Status: in_force

15-961. District additional assistance; growth rate

A. District additional assistance per student count is established as follows:

1. For school districts with a student count of less than one hundred for kindergarten programs and grades one through eight, $663.81. For school districts with a student count of one hundred or more and less than six hundred for kindergarten programs and grades one through eight, multiply $474.47 by the weight that corresponds to the student count for kindergarten programs and grades one through eight for the school district as provided in section 15-943, paragraph 1, subdivision (a), column 3. For a school district with a student count of six hundred or more in kindergarten programs and grades one through eight, the limit is $549.45.

2. For school districts with a student count of less than one hundred for grades nine through twelve, $732.87. For school districts with a student count of one hundred or more and less than six hundred for grades nine through twelve, multiply $494.39 by the weight that corresponds to the student count for grades nine through twelve for the school district as provided in section 15-943, paragraph 1, subdivision (b), column 3. For a school district with a student count of six hundred or more in grades nine through twelve, the limit is $600.86.

3. For programs for preschool children with disabilities, $549.45.

B. District additional assistance for a school district shall be computed as follows:

1. Select the applicable district additional assistance per student count for the school district.

2. Multiply the amount or amounts selected in paragraph 1 of this subsection by the appropriate student count of the school district.

3. If a school district's student count used for the budget year is greater than one hundred five percent of the student count used for the current year's budget, increase the adjusted district additional assistance determined in paragraph 2 of this subsection by fifty percent of the actual percentage increase in the school district's student count.

C. An amount for the purchase of required textbooks and related printed subject matter materials shall be used to increase the district additional assistance for a school district as determined in subsection B, paragraph 2 or 3 of this section, whichever is applicable. This amount shall equal the student count in grades nine through twelve multiplied by $84.93.

D. Notwithstanding subsections A, B and C of this section, district additional assistance for a common school district that is not within a high school district or for a transporting school district is district additional assistance as prescribed in this section but excluding pupils who are admitted to another school district as provided in section 15-824, subsection A, paragraph 2 or 3, except that if the school district transports high school pupils, the district additional assistance amount prescribed in this section shall be increased by an amount equal to fifty percent of the district additional assistance per pupil amount prescribed for the school district pursuant to this section multiplied by the number of high school pupils transported.
A.R.S. § 15-342.02 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 342.02
15-342.02 Dating abuse policies
Status: in_force

15-342.02. Dating abuse policies

A school district governing board may prescribe and enforce policies and procedures to address incidents of dating abuse involving students at school that may be based on a model dating abuse policy.
A.R.S. § 15-501.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 501.01
15-501.01 Requirements for teachers; teaching certificates; rules; reciprocity; placement; posting
Status: in_force

15-501.01. Requirements for teachers; teaching certificates; rules; reciprocity; placement; posting

A. Notwithstanding any other law, all teachers who are certificated pursuant to this section must have a baccalaureate degree and a valid fingerprint clearance card.

B. The state board of education shall adopt rules for the issuance of the following types of certificates for teachers:

1. Standard teaching certificate.

2. Alternative teaching certificate for persons who obtain training pursuant to subsection C, paragraph 1 of this section.

3. Subject-matter expert standard teaching certificate for persons who obtain training pursuant to subsection C, paragraph 8 of this section.

4. Classroom-based standard teaching certificate for individuals who obtain training from a school district or charter school.

5. Career and technical education teaching certificate.

C. The state board of education shall adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this section.  The rules:

1. Shall provide for a variety of alternative teacher and administrator preparation programs that allow for variations in program sequence and design to apply for program approval.  The state board shall adopt rules pursuant to this paragraph designed to allow for a variety of formats and shall not require a prescribed answer or design from the program provider in order to obtain approval from the state board. Any rules adopted by the state board pursuant to this paragraph shall be substantially different from the rules adopted for the approval of traditional preparation programs and may not unnecessarily restrict a variety of alternative preparation programs from operating and providing instruction in this state. The state board shall evaluate each program provider based on the program's ability to prepare teachers and administrators and to recruit teachers and administrators with a variety of experiences and talents. The state board shall allow universities under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents, community colleges in this state, private postsecondary institutions licensed by this state, school districts, charter schools, professional organizations, nonprofit organizations and private entities to apply for program approval and shall create application procedures and certification criteria that are substantially less restrictive than those for traditional preparation programs. At the completion of an alternative preparation program, graduates shall:

(a) Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited postsecondary education institution.

(b) If applicable, demonstrate professional knowledge and subject knowledge proficiency pursuant to section 15-533.

(c) Obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card pursuant to section 15-534.

(d) If applicable, complete training in structured English immersion as prescribed by the state board pursuant to section 15-756.09.

(e) If applicable, complete training in research-based systematic phonics instruction as prescribed in paragraph 2 of this subsection.

(f) Demonstrate the required proficiency in the Constitutions of the United States and Arizona as prescribed in section 15-532.

2. Shall require that, within three years after a certificate for elementary education or early childhood education is issued, the certificate holder complete, from a public or private provider, at least forty-five classroom hours or three college-level credit hours, or the equivalent, in both research-based:

(a) Science of reading instruction, including systematic phonics instruction.

(b) Reading instruction, including training on assessments, instructional practices and interventions to improve student reading proficiency.  Instruction provided pursuant to this subdivision must meet the requirements for dyslexia training prescribed in section 15-219.

3. Beginning August 1, 2025, shall establish a literacy endorsement as a requirement for all certificated teachers who provide literacy instruction in kindergarten programs or in any of grades one through five as determined by the board. The rules shall require that a certificated teacher who receives a certificate after August 1, 2025 and who provides literacy instruction in kindergarten programs or in any of grades one through five must obtain a literacy endorsement within three years after the teacher's certificate is issued. The rules shall require that a certificated teacher who received a certificate before August 1, 2025 and who provides literacy instruction in kindergarten programs or in any of grades one through five must obtain a literacy endorsement on or before August 1, 2028. The literacy endorsement shall require the teacher to complete evidence-based science of reading training or coursework as determined by the board and to pass a literacy instruction assessment to show that the teacher is capable of doing all of the following:

(a) Effectively teaching foundational reading skills, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

(b) Implementing reading instruction using high-quality instructional materials.

(c) Providing effective instruction and interventions for students with reading deficiencies, including students with characteristics of dyslexia.

4. Shall require all approved educator preparation programs in elementary education, early childhood education and mild-moderate special education, as defined by the state board of education, to require the courses that are necessary to obtain a literacy endorsement pursuant to paragraph 3 of this subsection.

5. Shall establish a process to allow a local education agency, at the request of a teacher, to verify to the department of education that the teacher possesses the instructional knowledge and skills prescribed in paragraph 3 of this subsection, demonstrated through classroom observations and student achievement data across subgroups using evidence-based measures. A certificated teacher who has had a local education agency verify the teacher's knowledge and skills in the science of reading pursuant to this paragraph is not required to complete the coursework, training or assessment requirements prescribed in paragraph 3 of this subsection to obtain the literacy endorsement.

6. Shall not require a teacher to obtain a master's degree or to take any additional graduate courses as a condition of certification or recertification.

7. Shall allow but shall not require the superintendent of a school district to obtain certification from the state board of education.

8. Shall provide for the issuance of a subject-matter expert standard teaching certificate to persons who have expertise in a content area or a subject matter. Persons who are certified pursuant to this paragraph shall complete training, if applicable, in structured English immersion as prescribed by the state board pursuant to section 15-756.09. Persons who are certified pursuant to this paragraph are exempt from the subject knowledge proficiency requirements prescribed in section 15-533 and from the proficiency requirements prescribed in section 15-532 on the Constitutions of the United States and Arizona. Persons who are subject to subdivision (a) of this paragraph are also exempt from the professional knowledge proficiency requirements pursuant to section 15-533. A person who obtains a subject-matter expert standard teaching certificate pursuant to this paragraph may provide instruction in the person's field of expertise in grades six through twelve at any public school in this state. Issuance of the subject-matter expert standard teaching certificate may not be conditioned on the person's employment with a local education agency. A person who meets the requirements of this paragraph shall be issued a subject-matter expert standard teaching certificate without having to demonstrate professional knowledge proficiency pursuant to section 15-533, except that the person shall have at least two years to demonstrate professional knowledge proficiency pursuant to section 15-533. School districts shall evaluate and provide support pursuant to section 15-537 to teachers who are certified pursuant to this paragraph. If a person fails to meet the professional knowledge requirements of this section within two years, the department of education or state board of education may temporarily suspend the subject-matter expert standard teaching certificate. A certificate that is temporarily suspended pursuant to this paragraph is not considered a disciplinary action, and a person shall be allowed to correct the deficiency within the remaining time of the subject-matter expert standard teaching certification. This paragraph does not require a person who has obtained another type of teaching certificate from the state board to obtain a subject-matter expert standard teaching certificate pursuant to this paragraph in order to provide instruction in grades six through twelve. Persons who are certificated pursuant to this paragraph shall review and attest to reviewing the best practices for social media and cellular telephone use between students and school personnel adopted by the state board of education pursuant to section 15-203, subsection A, paragraph 44 before receiving a certificate and, within two years after receiving a certificate, complete training in professionalism and ethics from a public or private provider approved by the state board of education, which may include a no-cost option to the person provided by the state board. A person is eligible for a subject-matter expert standard teaching certificate pursuant to this paragraph if the person has a baccalaureate degree and meets any of the following requirements:

(a) 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. A person demonstrates compliance with this requirement by providing the state board with written proof of employment for specific durations from one or more qualifying postsecondary institutions.

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

(c) 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. A person demonstrates compliance with this requirement by providing the state board with written proof of employment.

9. Notwithstanding section 15-533, shall exempt persons applying for a secondary education certificate from the subject knowledge portion of the proficiency examination if the state board determines that the person has work experience in science, technology, engineering or mathematics and can demonstrate adequate knowledge of a particular subject through a postsecondary education degree or twenty-four credit hours of relevant coursework.

10. Shall allow for a certificate issued to a person pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 1, 3, 4 or 5 of this section or section 15-203 or 15-782.01, as applicable, to be both issued and renewed for at least twelve years and may not require more than fifteen hours of continuing education credits each year in order to renew that certificate pursuant to this paragraph.

11. Shall allow for a certificate issued to a person pursuant to subsection B of this section or section 15-132, 15-203 or 15-782.01, as applicable, and any endorsement or approved area related to that certificate, to be renewed at least two years but not more than ten years after that certificate expires without any other requirements adopted by the state board of education or the department of education if the person is in good standing and possesses a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section 15-534. A certificate renewed pursuant to this paragraph shall be identical to the expired certificate.

D. The rules for certification reciprocity shall include a requirement that the applicant possess a comparable valid certification from another state and be in good standing with that other state. An applicant who possesses a valid certification from another state and a fingerprint clearance card pursuant to section 15-534 and who is in good standing with that other state shall be issued a comparable standard certificate or a comparable certificate issued pursuant to section 15-132, 15-203 or 15-782.01, as applicable, without any other requirements from the state board of education or the department of education. A person who is issued a certificate pursuant to this subsection is not required to meet any requirement prescribed in section 15-533.

E. Placement decisions of teaching intern certificate holders issued pursuant to subsection C, paragraph 1 of this section and section 15-552 shall be based on agreements between the teacher preparation provider, the provider's partner organizations and the local education agency. The practices of the department of education and the rules and policies of the state board of education may not restrict placement of teaching intern certification holders based on local education agency instructional models and may only consider the academic quality of the school, the effectiveness of the teaching intern certification holder's on-site mentor and the opportunity for a wide variety of schools and school models to access teaching intern certification holders.

F. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, the following persons are not required to have a baccalaureate degree:

1. A teacher who is otherwise exempt by law from obtaining a baccalaureate degree and who provides instruction in STEM or career and technical education pursuant to section 15-782.01.

2. A person who obtains any of the following:

(a) A Native American language certificate.

(b) A student teaching intern certificate.

(c) A junior reserve officer training corps certificate.

(d) An athletic coaching certificate.

(e) An emergency substitute certificate.

G. On or before November 15 of each year, the department of education shall report and post on its website all of the following:

1. The total number of teaching certificates issued in the previous calendar year disaggregated by the type of teaching certificate and demographics.

2. The total number of currently issued teaching certificates in this state disaggregated by the type of teaching certificate and demographics.

3. Any other historical data or trends regarding certificated individuals in this state.
A.R.S. § 15-1628 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 13 / Article 2 / Section 1628
15-1628 Powers and procedures pertaining to optional retirement programs
Status: in_force

15-1628. Powers and procedures pertaining to optional retirement programs

A. The Arizona board of regents may establish optional retirement programs under which contracts providing retirement and death benefits may be purchased for members of the faculty and administrative officers of the institutions under its jurisdiction. The benefits to be provided for or on behalf of participants in the optional retirement program shall be provided through annuity contracts, fixed or variable in nature, or a combination thereof, or other retirement plans approved by the Arizona board of regents.

B. Elections to participate in the optional retirement programs shall be made as follows:

1. Eligible employees initially appointed on or after August 9, 1974 shall elect to become members of the Arizona state retirement system or to participate in an optional retirement program established by the Arizona board of regents. The election shall be made in writing and filed with the Arizona state retirement system and the disbursing officer of the employing institution and shall be effective as of the effective date of appointment. If an eligible employee fails to make an election as provided in this paragraph, the eligible employee shall be deemed to have elected membership in the Arizona state retirement system.

2. Eligible employees initially appointed before August 9, 1974 may elect to participate in the optional retirement programs. The election shall be made in writing and filed with the Arizona state retirement system and the disbursing officer of the employing institution on or before December 14, 1974, shall become effective as of January 1, 1975 and shall constitute a waiver of all benefits provided by the Arizona state retirement system, except all such benefits as are expressly provided by law.

3. Any employee who becomes eligible may elect an optional retirement program. The election shall be made in writing and filed with the Arizona state retirement system and the disbursing officer of the employing institution within thirty days after notice in writing to the employee of the employee's eligibility, and shall become effective on the first day of the pay period following such election, and shall constitute a waiver of all benefits provided by the Arizona state retirement system, except all such benefits as are expressly provided by law.

4. Any eligible employee who is a member of the Arizona state retirement system at the time the employee elects to participate in the optional retirement program shall leave the funds in the employee's retirement account on deposit with the Arizona state retirement system during the continuance of employment. Additional contributions to the employee's retirement account shall not be required and continued service with the Arizona board of regents or an institution under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents while under an optional retirement program shall be deemed to be member service in the Arizona state retirement system for the purpose of determining eligibility for any benefits under such system. The amount of any such benefits under such system shall be computed only on the basis of service otherwise creditable to a member of the system and the employee's compensation during such service. For purposes of subsection D of this section, years of member service in the Arizona state retirement system shall count as years of service under the optional retirement programs.

C. The Arizona board of regents shall contribute public funds appropriated or any other funds available for such purpose on behalf of each participant in the optional retirement programs in an amount equal to seven per cent of the participant's compensation. Each participant shall also contribute an amount equal to seven per cent of the participant's compensation. The appropriation to each university for purposes of enabling the Arizona board of regents to make the contribution provided in this subsection shall not exceed the employer contribution required under the Arizona state retirement system as prescribed by title 38, chapter 5, article 2. Funds utilized by the board of regents or by a university to pay that portion of the contribution that represents the difference between the employer contribution as prescribed by title 38, chapter 5, article 2 and the contribution rate provided in this subsection for an optional retirement program do not constitute a use of appropriated monies for supplemental retirement.

D. In the case of an electing employee initially appointed on or after August 9, 1974, contributions pursuant to subsection C of this section shall not be made by the Arizona board of regents until the employee's completion of five years of service. Employee contributions required during this initial five year period and during continued service with an institution under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents shall be promptly remitted to the optional retirement programs approved by the Arizona board of regents. At the end of an electing employee's completion of five years of service, a single contribution in an amount determined pursuant to subsection C of this section, with interest, shall be made by the chief financial officer of the employing institution to the approved company or companies on behalf of such employee. In the case of an electing employee who does not continue in service with an institution under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents for at least five years, the amount of employer contributions, with interest, shall be refunded to this state.

E. If an employee's service is terminated by death prior to the completion of five years of service, a death benefit equal to the sums appropriated for such employee, plus interest, shall be paid to the beneficiary designated by the participant under the participant's optional retirement program.

F. The provisions of subsection D of this section shall not apply to any electing employee who, at the time of initial appointment, owns a contract determined by the Arizona board of regents to be acceptable for use in the optional retirement program.

G. The Arizona board of regents may provide for the administration of such optional retirement programs and perform or authorize the performance of such functions as may be necessary for such purposes. The Arizona board of regents shall approve the company or companies from which benefits may be purchased under the optional retirement programs. Such optional retirement programs shall not permit loans. In giving its approval, the board shall consider:

1. The nature and extent of the rights and benefits to be provided for participants and their beneficiaries.

2. The relation of such rights and benefits to the amount of contributions to be made.

3. The suitability of such rights and benefits to the needs of the participants and the interests of the institutions under its jurisdiction in the recruitment and retention of faculty and administrative officers.

4. The ability of the approved company or companies to provide such suitable rights and benefits.

H. Any eligible employee initially appointed after August 9, 1974, electing to participate in the optional retirement programs, shall be ineligible for membership in the Arizona state retirement system as long as the employee remains continuously employed in any position by the Arizona board of regents or by an institution under its jurisdiction, except as expressly provided by law.

I. The benefits, annuities and employee and employer contributions provided for in this section, and all interest, earnings and other credits pertaining to such benefits, annuities and contributions, shall not be subject to execution or attachment and shall be nonassignable. The employee and employer contributions provided for in this section and all interest, earnings and other credits pertaining to such contributions are exempt from state, county and municipal taxes. The benefits and annuities received by an employee under this section after December 31, 1988 are subject to tax pursuant to title 43.

J. Subject to amendment of the federal-state agreement provided for in section 38-702, every eligible employee electing to participate in the optional retirement programs shall have old age, survivors and disability insurance coverage provided by the federal social security act in accordance with the provisions of title 38, chapter 5, article 1.
A.R.S. § 15-701 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 701
15-701 Common schools; promotions; requirements; certificate; supervision of eighth grades by superintendent of high school district; high school admissions; academic credit; definition
Status: in_force

15-701. Common schools; promotions; requirements; certificate; supervision of eighth grades by superintendent of high school district; high school admissions; academic credit; definition

A. The state board of education shall:

1. Prescribe a minimum course of study incorporating the academic standards adopted by the state board of education to be taught in the common schools.

2. Prescribe competency requirements for the promotion of pupils from the eighth grade and competency requirements for the promotion of pupils from the third grade that incorporate the academic standards in at least the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies.  The competency requirements for the promotion of pupils from the third grade shall include the following:

(a) A requirement that a pupil not be promoted from the third grade if the pupil obtains a score on the reading portion of the statewide assessment that does not demonstrate sufficient reading skills as established by the state board. A pupil may not be retained pursuant to this subdivision if data regarding the pupil's performance on the statewide assessment is not available before the end of the current academic year and may not be retained more than once.  A pupil who is not retained due to the unavailability of test data must receive evidence-based intervention and remedial strategies pursuant to subdivision (c) of this paragraph if the third grade assessment data subsequently does not demonstrate sufficient reading skills.

(b) A mechanism to allow a school district governing board or charter school governing body to promote from the third grade a pupil who does not demonstrate sufficient reading skills pursuant to subdivision (a) of this paragraph if the pupil:

(i) Is an English learner or a limited English proficient student as defined in section 15-751 and has had fewer than three years of English language instruction.

(ii) Is in the process of a special education referral or evaluation for placement in special education, has been diagnosed as having a significant reading impairment, including dyslexia, or is a child with a disability as defined in section 15-761 if the pupil's individualized education program team and the pupil's parent or guardian agree that promotion is appropriate based on the pupil's individualized education program.

(iii) Has demonstrated or subsequently demonstrates sufficient reading skills or adequate progress toward sufficient reading skills of the third grade reading standards as evidenced through a collection of reading assessments approved by the state board of education, which includes an alternative standardized reading assessment approved by the state board.

(iv) Receives intervention and remedial services during the summer or a subsequent school year pursuant to subdivision (c) of this paragraph and demonstrates sufficient progress based on guidelines issued pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 7 of this section.

(c) Evidence-based intervention and remedial strategies developed by the state board of education for pupils who are not promoted from the third grade. A school district governing board or charter school governing body shall offer more than one of the intervention and remedial strategies developed by the state board of education. The parent or guardian of a pupil who is not promoted from the third grade and the pupil's teacher and principal may choose the most appropriate intervention and remedial strategies that will be provided to that pupil. The intervention and remedial strategies developed by the state board of education shall include:

(i) A requirement that the pupil be assigned for evidence-based reading instruction by a different teacher who was designated in that teacher's most recent performance evaluation in one of the top two performance classifications.

(ii) Summer school reading instruction.

(iii) In the next academic year, intensive reading instruction that occurs before, during or after the regular school day, or any combination of before, during and after the regular school day.

(iv) Small group and teacher-led evidence-based reading instruction, which may include computer-based or online reading instruction.

(d) A requirement that a school district governing board or charter school governing body that promotes a pupil pursuant to subdivision (b) of this paragraph provide annual reporting to the department of education on or before October 1 that includes information on the total number of pupils subject to the retention provisions of subdivision (a) of this paragraph, the total number of students promoted pursuant to subdivision (b) of this paragraph, the total number of pupils retained in grade three and the interventions administered pursuant to subdivision (c) of this paragraph.

3. Provide for universal screening of pupils in preschool programs, kindergarten programs and grades one through three that is designed to identify pupils who have reading deficiencies pursuant to section 15-704.

4. Develop evidence-based intervention and remedial strategies pursuant to paragraph 2, subdivision (c) of this subsection for pupils in kindergarten programs and grades one through three who are identified as having reading deficiencies pursuant to section 15-704.

5. Distribute guidelines for the school districts to follow in prescribing criteria for the promotion of pupils from grade to grade in the common schools. These guidelines shall include recommended procedures for ensuring that the cultural background of a pupil is taken into consideration when criteria for promotion are being applied.

B. School districts and charter schools shall provide annual written notification to parents of pupils in kindergarten programs and first, second and third grades that a pupil who does not demonstrate sufficient reading skills pursuant to subsection A of this section will not be promoted from the third grade. School districts and charter schools shall identify each pupil who is at risk of reading below grade level in kindergarten and grades one, two and three and shall provide to the parent of that pupil a specific written notification of the reading deficiency within three weeks after identifying the reading deficiency. The notification shall include the following information:

1. A description of the pupil's specific individual needs.

2. A description of the current reading services provided to the pupil.

3. A description of the available supplemental instructional services and supporting programs that are designed to remediate reading deficiencies.  Each school district or charter school shall offer more than one evidence-based intervention strategy and more than one remedial strategy developed by the state board of education for pupils with reading deficiencies. The notification shall list the intervention and remedial strategies offered and shall instruct the parent to choose, in consultation with the pupil's teacher, the most appropriate strategies to be provided and implemented for that child.

4. Parental strategies to assist the pupil to attain reading proficiency.

5. The frequency with which the school district or charter school will provide timely updates and information to the parent on the pupil's progress toward reading proficiency.

6. A statement that the pupil will not be promoted from the third grade if the pupil does not demonstrate sufficient reading skills pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 2, subdivision (a) of this section, unless the pupil is exempt from mandatory retention in grade three or the pupil qualifies for an exemption pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 2, subdivision (b) of this section.

7. A description of the school district or charter school policies on midyear promotion to a higher grade.

C. Pursuant to the guidelines that the state board of education distributes, 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 promotion of pupils from grade to grade in the common 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.

D. The governing board may prescribe the course of study and competency requirements for promotion that are in addition to or higher than the course of study and competency requirements the state board prescribes.

E. A teacher shall determine whether to promote or retain a pupil in a grade in a common school on the basis of the prescribed criteria.  The governing board, if it reviews the decision of a teacher to promote or retain a pupil in a grade in a common school as provided in section 15-342, paragraph 11, shall base its decision on the prescribed criteria.

F. A governing board may provide and issue certificates of promotion to pupils whom it promotes from the eighth grade of a common school. Such certificates shall be signed by the principal or superintendent of schools. If there is no principal or superintendent of schools, the certificates shall be signed by an eighth grade teacher. The certificates shall admit the holders to any high school in this state.

G. Within any high school district or union high school district, the superintendent of the high school district shall supervise the work of the eighth grade of all schools that do not employ a superintendent or principal.

H. A school district shall not deny a pupil who is between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one years admission to a high school because the pupil does not hold an eighth grade certificate. Governing boards shall establish procedures for determining the admissibility of pupils who are under sixteen years of age and who do not hold eighth grade certificates.

I. The state board of education shall adopt rules to allow common 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.

J. A school district may conduct a ceremony to honor pupils who have been promoted from the eighth grade.

K. For the purposes of this section, "dyslexia" means a condition that:

1. Is neurological in origin.

2. Is characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities, including difficulties that typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and to the provision of effective classroom instruction.

3. May include secondary consequences such as problems with reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that may impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.
A.R.S. § 15-1746 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 13 / Article 8 / Section 1746
15-1746 Collections revolving fund; expenditures; employment of legal counsel; exemption from lapsing
Status: in_force

15-1746. Collections revolving fund; expenditures; employment of legal counsel; exemption from lapsing

A. A collections revolving fund is established which consists of:

1. Monies repaid to the board as provided in section 15-1745.

2. Monies which the legislature appropriates.

B. The board shall use monies in the collections revolving fund for payment of expenses incurred in enforcing contracts entered into with students as provided in section 15-1745, including expenditures for filing fees, court costs, travel, depositions, transcripts, reproduction costs, expert witness fees, investigations and similar costs and expenses.  Except for payment of attorney fees due on the initial recovery of monies as provided in subsection C of this section, the board may not use monies in the fund to compensate or employ attorneys.

C. The board may, in legal actions taken outside of this state to enforce the contracts entered into with students as provided in section 15-1745, employ legal counsel on a contingent fee basis plus court costs. The employment and payment of legal counsel under this subsection is not subject to the bidding and contracting requirements under title 41, chapter 23.

D. At no time shall the amount of monies in the collections revolving fund retained to pay expenses incurred in enforcing contracts entered into with students exceed ten thousand dollars.

E. The board shall not retain more than ten thousand dollars in the collections revolving fund. Monies collected in excess of ten thousand dollars shall be deposited in the state general fund.

F. Monies in the collections revolving fund, up to an amount of ten thousand dollars, are exempt from section 35-190, relating to lapsing of appropriations.
A.R.S. § 15-186 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 8 / Section 186
15-186 Pupil disciplinary procedures; notification
Status: in_force

15-186. Pupil disciplinary procedures; notification

Each charter school governing body shall develop procedures that require the charter school to annually report to the department of education in a manner prescribed by the department the number of suspensions and expulsions that involve the possession, use or sale of an illegal substance under title 13, chapter 34 and the type of illegal substance involved in each suspension or expulsion. The department of education shall compile this information and annually post the information on its website. The information shall not include personally identifiable information, shall comply with the family educational rights and privacy act of 1974 (P.L. 93-380; 88 Stat. 57; 20 United States Code section 1232g) and shall show the number of suspensions and expulsions associated with each illegal substance aggregated statewide and by county.
A.R.S. § 15-718 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 718
15-718 Civics instruction
Status: in_force

15-718. Civics instruction

To help families, civic institutions, local communities, school district governing boards and charter schools prepare students to be civically responsible and knowledgeable adults, the state board of education shall work with the school of civic and economic thought and leadership at Arizona state university, the center for the philosophy of freedom at the university of Arizona and the Sandra Day O'Connor institute to:

1. Develop civic education standards that school districts and charter schools must include pursuant to section 15-701.01. The civic education standards must include instruction on:

(a) The original intent of the founding documents and principles of the United States as found in source documents.

(b) The civic-minded expectations of an upright and desirable citizenry that recognizes and accepts responsibility for preserving and defending the blessings of liberty inherited from prior generations and secured by the United States constitution.

2. On or before December 31, 2022, establish and maintain a list of oral history resources to be used along with the civic education standards and social studies standards that provide portraits in patriotism based on first-person accounts of victims of other nations' governing philosophies who can compare those philosophies with those of the United States.
A.R.S. § 15-132 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 132
15-132 Certification of exchange teachers and professors
Status: in_force

15-132. Certification of exchange teachers and professors

The state board of education shall issue temporary certificates to exchange teachers and professors of foreign countries and other states whose training and background comply with the rules promulgated by the board for certification and are equivalent to those of the local teacher with whom the exchange is made.
A.R.S. § 15-392 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 3 / Article 6 / Section 392
15-392 Formation of career technical education districts
Status: in_force

15-392. Formation of career technical education districts

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, school districts that are interested in forming a career technical education district shall conduct a study to determine the need to establish a career technical education district in an area consisting of two or more school districts. The school districts shall also initiate a plan for the establishment and operation of the career technical education district, which shall include a proposed budget based on a reasonable estimate of student enrollment in the new career technical education district.  Any school district may assist in the preparation and payment of costs of the study and plan.  The school districts shall file a copy of the plan with the governing board of each school district included in the plan for the career technical education district.  The school districts shall submit the results of the study and the plan, along with evidence of approval by the governing board of each school district included in the selected plan for the career technical education district, to the state board of education.

B. If the state board of education determines that the plan submitted for the proposed career technical education district has met the requirements of this section, the question shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the school district seeking to become a part of the career technical education district at an election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The question that is submitted to the qualified electors must describe the tax rate that is associated with joining the career technical education district and the estimated cost of that tax rate for the owner of a single family home that is valued at one hundred thousand dollars.  If the electors in a school district approve, that school district is authorized to participate in a career technical education district. The career technical education district shall become operational on July 1 following the election held pursuant to this subsection, except as provided in subsection D of this section.

C. The governing boards of the school districts participating in the career technical education district may pay on a proportional basis the administrative, clerical and other expenses necessary for the establishment and operation of the career technical education district until monies are otherwise provided.

D. A career technical education district after receiving voter approval as provided in subsection B of this section shall be governed by a career technical education board consisting of members elected pursuant to section 15-393, except that the initial composition of the career technical education board shall consist of one person who is not currently a board member of any school district and who is appointed by the governing board of each district participating in the career technical education district.  The terms of office of the career technical education board members shall become effective on January 1 following the election held pursuant to subsection B of this section.  On the effective date of the term of office for career technical education board members, the career technical education board may begin necessary operations and activities related to making the district operational pursuant to subsection B of this section. If fewer than five school districts are participating in the career technical education district, the initial composition of the career technical education board shall consist of two persons who are not currently board members of any school district and who are appointed by each participating school district's governing board. The appointed members shall serve until January 1 following the next general election.  At the general election held next following the formation of the career technical education district and thereafter, career technical education board members shall be elected as prescribed in section 15-393.
A.R.S. § 15-746 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 746
15-746 School report cards
Status: in_force

15-746. School report cards

A. Each school shall distribute an annual report card that contains at least the following information:

1. A description of the school's regular, magnet and special instructional programs.

2. A description of the school's current academic goals.

3. A summary of each of the following:

(a) The results achieved by pupils enrolled at the school during the prior three school years as measured by the statewide assessment and the nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement test as designated by the state board and as reported in the annual report prescribed by section 15-743.

(b) Pupil progress on an ongoing and annual basis, showing the trends in gain or loss in pupil achievement over time in reading, language arts and mathematics for all years in which pupils are enrolled in the school district for an entire school year and for which this information is available.

(c) Pupil progress for pupils who are not enrolled in a district for an entire school year.

4. The attendance rate of pupils enrolled at the school as reflected in the school's average daily membership as defined in section 15-901.

5. The total number of incidents that occurred on the school grounds, at school bus stops, at stops for vehicles described in section 15-925, on school buses, on vehicles described in section 15-925 and at school-sponsored events and that required the contact of a local, county, tribal, state or federal law enforcement officer pursuant to section 13-3411, subsection F, section 13-3620, section 15-341, subsection A, paragraph 30 or section 15-515.  The total number of incidents reported shall only include reports that law enforcement officers report to the school and that are supported by probable cause.  For the purposes of this paragraph, a certified peace officer who serves as a school resource officer is a law enforcement officer. A school may provide clarifying information if the school has a school resource officer on campus.

6. The percentage of pupils who have either graduated to the next grade level or graduated from high school.

7. A description of the social services available at the school site.

8. The school calendar, including the length of the school day and hours of operations.

9. The total number of pupils enrolled at the school during the previous school year.

10. The transportation services available.

11. A description of the responsibilities of parents of children enrolled at the school.

12. A description of the responsibilities of the school to the parents of the children enrolled at the school, including dates the report cards are delivered to the home.

13. A description of the composition and duties of the school council as prescribed in section 15-351 if such a school council exists.

14. For the most recent year available, the average current expenditure per pupil for administrative functions compared to the predicted average current expenditure per pupil for administrative functions according to an analysis of administrative cost data by the joint legislative budget committee staff.

15. If the school provides instruction to pupils in kindergarten programs and grades one through three, the ratio of pupils to teachers in each classroom where instruction is provided in kindergarten programs and grades one through three.

16. The average class size per grade level for all grade levels, kindergarten programs and grades one through eight. For the purposes of this paragraph, "average class size" means the weighted average of each class.

B. The department of education shall develop a standardized report card format that meets the requirements of subsection A of this section.  The department shall modify the standardized report card as necessary on an annual basis. The department shall distribute to each school in this state a copy of the standardized report card that includes the required test scores for each school. Additional copies of the standardized report card shall be available on request.

C. After each school has completed the report card distributed to it by the department of education, the school, in addition to distributing the report card as prescribed in subsection A of this section, shall send a copy of the report card to the department.  The department shall prepare an annual report that contains the report card from each school in this state.

D. The school shall distribute report cards to parents of pupils enrolled at the school, not later than the last day of school of each fiscal year, and shall present a summary of the contents of the report cards at an annual public meeting held at the school. The school shall give notice at least two weeks before the public meeting that clearly states the purposes, time and place of the meeting.

E. Beginning in fiscal year 2021-2022, the school report card prescribed by this section shall include a link to access the information required by section 15-747.
A.R.S. § 15-791 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 5 / Section 791
15-791 Arizona agricultural youth organization special plate fund
Status: in_force

15-791. Arizona agricultural youth organization special plate fund

A. The Arizona agricultural youth organization special plate fund is established consisting of monies received pursuant to section 28-2436.  The state board of education acting as the state board for vocational and technological education shall administer the fund.  The first thirty-two thousand dollars in the fund shall be reimbursed to the entity that provides the thirty-two thousand dollars to the department of transportation pursuant to section 28-2436.  Not more than ten per cent of monies deposited in the fund annually shall be used for the cost of administering the fund.  Monies in the fund are continuously appropriated.  The state board of education acting as the state board for vocational and technological education shall annually allocate monies from the fund, excluding administrative fees, to student career and technical education organizations that promote agricultural education programs at middle schools, junior high schools and high schools in this state, that connect students to careers in science, business and the technology of agriculture and that develop student leadership opportunities in agriculture.  The organizations shall use the allocated monies for the organizations' operations and activities and for student scholarships.

B. On notice from the state board of education acting as the state board for vocational and technological education, the state treasurer shall invest and divest monies in the fund as provided by section 35-313, and monies earned from investment shall be credited to the fund.  Monies in the fund are exempt from the provisions of section 35-190 relating to lapsing of appropriations.
A.R.S. § 15-1404 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 1404
15-1404 Election to determine formation of district; notice; canvass
Status: in_force

15-1404. Election to determine formation of district; notice; canvass

A. Upon approval of the proposed district, the county board of supervisors shall return the petition with its approval to the county school superintendent, or if the proposed district consists of more than one county, to the county school superintendent of the county with the larger population, as determined by the most recent federal census. The county school superintendent shall transmit notification of approval for formation of the proposed district to the board of supervisors which shall submit the question to the qualified electors of the county at the next general election or at a special election called for that purpose. If a special election is called, notice thereof shall be given by publication for at least two weeks in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county or counties of the proposed district. The election shall be conducted and returns shall be made in the manner provided by law for special elections.

B. A special election conducted pursuant to this section shall be held on a date prescribed by section 16-204.
A.R.S. § 15-1647 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 13 / Article 2 / Section 1647
15-1647 Water rights adjudication; cooperative extension; establishment; assistance; annual report
Status: in_force

15-1647. Water rights adjudication; cooperative extension; establishment; assistance; annual report

A. To the extent permitted by court rule, a university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents may offer pro bono assistance to claimants who are small landowners in the general stream adjudication of water rights filed pursuant to title 45, chapter 1, article 9 and who are not represented by counsel. A university that offers assistance pursuant to this subsection may represent a claimant in the adjudication until that claimant proceeds to an evidentiary hearing or to some other contested proceeding that is similar to a trial. If the claimant has not settled the claim, the university may not represent that claimant at an evidentiary or similarly contested hearing.

B. Any university that offers assistance pursuant to subsection A of this section shall cooperate and coordinate with the faculty of a cooperative extension in this state that has a program to support the economic vitality of rural communities and the use of natural resources in those rural communities.

C. On or before November 15 of each year, a university that offers assistance pursuant to subsection A of this section shall submit a written report of the university's assistance activities to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate and shall provide a copy of this report to the secretary of state.
A.R.S. § 15-240 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 2 / Article 2 / Section 240
15-240 High-quality teacher professional development program; annual report; definitions
Status: in_force

15-240. High-quality teacher professional development program; annual report; definitions

A. The department of education shall establish a high-quality teacher professional development program and, subject to available appropriations, may issue scholarships or grants, or both, on a competitive basis as determined by the department, to qualified applicants in order to obtain high-quality teacher professional development from a qualifying postsecondary institution that will support certificated teachers in gaining additional credentials and certifications to teach in high-need content areas. Scholarships and grants issued pursuant to this subsection may not exceed $2,000 per qualified applicant.  Any qualified applicant who receives a scholarship or grant pursuant to this subsection shall agree to teach in a public school in this state for at least three additional years after completing the coursework or program at a qualifying postsecondary institution. A qualified applicant who accepts a scholarship or grant pursuant to this subsection and who does not teach in a public school in this state for at least three additional years after completing the coursework or program at a qualifying postsecondary institution shall pay back the full amount of the scholarship or grant in a manner to be determined by the department. The department may retain up to three percent of the monies appropriated for the program to offset administrative costs.

B. On or before November 1 of each year, the department of education shall submit to the governor, the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives a report that summarizes the results of the program. The department shall provide a copy of this report to the secretary of state.

C. For the purposes of this section:

1. "High-need content area" means any science, technology, engineering or mathematics or career and technical education content.

2. "Qualified applicant" means a teacher who is certificated in this state by the state board of education pursuant to section 15-203 and who is currently teaching in a public school in this state.

3. "Qualifying postsecondary institution" means a regionally or nationally accredited public or private postsecondary educational institution in this state.
A.R.S. § 15-323 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 323
15-323 Governing board member; voting eligibility; purchases from board member
Status: in_force

15-323. Governing board member; voting eligibility; purchases from board member

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a governing board member is eligible to vote on any budgetary, personnel or other question which comes before the board, except:

1. It shall be unlawful for a member to vote on a specific item which concerns the appointment, employment or remuneration of such member or any person related to such member who is a spouse or a dependent as defined in section 43-1001.

2. No member may vote on the employment of a person who is a member of the governing board or who is the spouse of a member of the governing board and whose membership on the board and employment are prohibited by section 15-421, subsection D.

B. The governing board may make purchases from a board member if the transaction does not exceed three hundred dollars, the total purchases from any board member by the board within any twelve month period do not exceed one thousand dollars and the board has by majority vote adopted within the preceding twelve month period a policy authorizing such purchases.

C. Notwithstanding subsection B of this section, the governing board of a school district having a student count of fewer than three thousand may make purchases from a board member in any amount as provided in this subsection and section 15-213. The governing board must approve each purchase from a board member, and the amount of the purchase or contract for purchase shall be included in the minutes of the meeting at which the governing board approves the purchase.
A.R.S. § 15-1626 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 13 / Article 2 / Section 1626
15-1626 General administrative powers and duties of board; definition
Status: in_force

15-1626. General administrative powers and duties of board; definition

A. The Arizona board of regents shall:

1. Have and exercise the powers necessary for the effective governance and administration of the institutions under the board's control.  To that end, the board may adopt, and authorize each university to adopt, regulations, policies, rules or measures as are deemed necessary and may delegate in writing to the board's committees, to university presidents, or the presidents' designees, or to other entities under the board's control, any part of the board's authority for the administration and governance of those institutions, including those powers enumerated in section 15-1625, subsection B, paragraphs 2 and 4, paragraphs 3, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 22 of this subsection and subsection B of this section.  Any delegation of authority may be rescinded by the board at any time in whole or in part.

2. Appoint and employ and determine the compensation of presidents with the power and authority and for the purposes in connection with the operation of the institutions as the board deems necessary.

3. Appoint and employ and determine the compensation of vice presidents, deans, professors, instructors, lecturers, fellows and the other officers and employees with the power and authority and for the purposes in connection with the operation of the institutions as the board deems necessary, or delegate the board's authority pursuant to paragraph 1 of this subsection.

4. Remove any officer or employee when the interests of education in this state so require in accordance with the board's personnel rules and policies.

5. Fix tuitions and fees to be charged and differentiate the tuitions and fees between institutions and between residents, nonresidents, undergraduate students, graduate students, students from foreign countries and students who have earned credit hours in excess of the credit hour threshold. For the purposes of this paragraph, the undergraduate credit hour threshold is one hundred forty-five hours for students who attend a university under the jurisdiction of the board. The undergraduate credit hour threshold shall be based on the actual full-time equivalent student enrollment counted on the forty-fifth day of every fall and spring semester, divided by two, and any budget adjustment based on student enrollment shall occur in the fiscal year following the actual full-time equivalent student enrollment count. The undergraduate credit hour threshold shall not apply to degree programs that require credit hours above the credit hour threshold, credits earned in the pursuit of up to two baccalaureate degrees, credits earned in the pursuit of up to two state regulated licensures or certificates, credits earned in the pursuit of teaching certification, credits transferred from a private institution of higher education, credits transferred from an institution of higher education in another state, credits earned at another institution of higher education but that are not accepted as transfer credits at the university where the student is currently enrolled and credits earned by students who enroll at a university under the jurisdiction of the board more than twenty-four months after the end of that student's previous enrollment at a public institution of higher education in this state. On or before October 15 of each year, the board shall report to the joint legislative budget committee the number of in-state students and out-of-state students who were enrolled at universities under the jurisdiction of the board during the previous fiscal year and who met or exceeded the undergraduate credit hour threshold prescribed in this paragraph. The amount of tuition and fees included in the operating budget for the university adopted by the board as prescribed in paragraph 13 of this subsection is subject to legislative appropriation and shall be deposited in a separate tuition and fees subaccount for each university. All other tuition and fee revenue shall be retained by each university for expenditure as approved by the board in a separate local tuition and fees subaccount for each university. This subaccount shall consist of only tuition and fees. The universities shall not use any tuition or fee revenue to fund or support an alumni association.

6. Adopt rules to govern the board's tuition and academic fee setting process that provide for the following:

(a) At least one public hearing at each university as an opportunity for students and members of the public to comment on any proposed increase in tuition or fees.

(b) Publication of the notice of public hearing at least ten days before the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in Maricopa county, Coconino county and Pima county. The notice shall include the date, time and location of the public hearing.

(c) Public disclosure by each university of any proposed increases in tuition or fees at least ten days before the public hearing.

(d) A roll call vote of any final board action on changes in tuition, including tuition rate changes for online programs, or academic fees.

(e) Public disclosure by the board and each university of any final board action on changes in tuition or academic fees.

7. Pursuant to section 35-115, submit a budget request for each institution under the board's jurisdiction that includes the estimated tuition and fee revenue available to support the programs of the institution as described in the budget request. The estimated available tuition and fee revenue shall be based on the tuition and registration fee rates in effect at the time the budget request is submitted with adjustments for projected changes in enrollment as provided by the board.

8. Establish curricula and designate courses at the several institutions that in the board's judgment will best serve the interests of this state.

9. Award degrees and diplomas on the completion of the courses and curriculum requirements that the board deems appropriate.

10. Prescribe qualifications for admission of all students to the universities.  The board shall establish policies for guaranteed admission that ensure fair and equitable access to students in this state from public, private and charter schools and homeschools. For the purpose of determining the qualifications of honorably discharged veterans, veterans are those persons who served in the armed forces for at least two years and who were previously enrolled at a university or community college in this state. Prior failing grades received by a veteran at the university or community college in this state may not be considered.

11. Adopt any energy conservation standards adopted by the department of administration for the construction of new buildings.

12. Employ for the time and purposes that the board requires attorneys whose compensation shall be fixed and paid by the board. Litigation to which the board is a party and for which self-insurance is not provided may be compromised or settled at the direction of the board.

13. Adopt annually an operating budget for each university equal to the sum of appropriated state general fund monies and the amount of tuition and fees approved by the board and allocated to each university operating budget.

14. In consultation with the state board of education and other education groups, develop and implement a program to award honors endorsements to be affixed to the high school diplomas of qualifying high school pupils and to be included in the transcripts of pupils who are awarded endorsements. The Arizona board of regents shall develop application procedures and testing criteria and adopt testing instruments and procedures to administer the program. In order to receive an honors endorsement, a pupil must demonstrate an extraordinary level of knowledge, skill and competency as measured by the testing instruments adopted by the Arizona board of regents in mathematics, English, science and social studies.  Additional subjects may be added at the determination of the Arizona board of regents.  The program is voluntary for pupils.

15. Require the publisher of each literary and nonliterary textbook used in the universities of this state to furnish to the board computer software in a standardized format when software becomes available for nonliterary textbooks from which braille versions of the textbooks may be produced.

16. Require universities that provide a degree in education to require courses that are necessary to obtain a provisional structured English immersion endorsement as prescribed by the state board of education.

17. Acquire for each classroom United States flags that are manufactured in the United States and that are at least two feet by three feet, hardware to appropriately display the United States flags and a legible copy of the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.  The board shall 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.

18. To facilitate the transfer of military personnel and their dependents to and from the public schools of this state, pursue, in cooperation with the state board of education, 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) The transfer of student records.

(ii) Awarding credit for completed coursework.

(iii) Permitting 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.

19. Require a university to publicly post notices of all of the university's employment openings, including the title and description, instructions for applying and relevant contact information.

20. In consultation with the community college districts in this state, develop and implement common equivalencies for specific levels of achievement on advanced placement examinations and international baccalaureate examinations in order to award commensurate postsecondary academic credits at community colleges and public universities in this state.

21. On or before August 1 of each year, report to the joint legislative budget committee the graduation rate by university campus during the previous fiscal year. The board shall also report the retention rate by university campus and by class, as determined by date of entry during the previous fiscal year.

22. Enter into an agreement with one or more career technical education district governing boards pursuant to section 15-393, subsection K if the agreement, in the board's judgment, will serve the interests of this state.

B. The Arizona board of regents shall adopt personnel policies for all employees of the board and the universities.

C. In conjunction with the auditor general, the Arizona board of regents shall develop a uniform accounting and reporting system, which shall be reviewed by the joint legislative budget committee before final adoption by the board.  The board shall require each university to comply with the uniform accounting and reporting system.

D. The Arizona board of regents may employ legal assistance in procuring loans for the institutions from the United States government.  Fees or compensation paid for legal assistance pursuant to this subsection shall not be a claim on the state general fund but shall be paid from funds of the institutions.

E. The Arizona board of regents shall approve or disapprove any contract or agreement entered into by the university of Arizona hospital with the Arizona industrial development authority.

F. The Arizona board of regents may adopt policies that authorize the institutions under its jurisdiction to enter into employment contracts with nontenured employees for periods of more than one year but not more than five years.  The policies must prescribe limits on the authority of the institutions to enter into employment contracts for periods of more than one year but not more than five years, including the requirement that the board approve the contracts.

G. The Arizona board of regents may adopt a plan or plans for employee benefits that allow participation in a cafeteria plan that meets the requirements of the United States internal revenue code of 1986.

H. The Arizona board of regents may establish a program for the exchange of students between the universities under the jurisdiction of the board and colleges and universities located in the state of Sonora, Mexico.  Notwithstanding subsection A, paragraph 5 of this section, the program may provide for in-state tuition at the universities under the jurisdiction of the board for fifty Sonoran students in exchange for similar tuition provisions for up to fifty Arizona students enrolled or seeking enrollment in Sonoran colleges or universities. The board may direct the universities to work in conjunction with the Arizona-Mexico commission to coordinate recruitment and admissions activities.

I. The Arizona board of regents, in collaboration with the universities under the board's jurisdiction, shall adopt a performance funding model using performance metrics that include the increase in degrees awarded, the increase in completed student credit hours and the increase in externally generated research and public service funding. The funding formula may give added weight to degrees related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics and other high-value degrees that are in short supply or that are essential to this state's long-term economic development strategy.

J. The Arizona board of regents shall use the performance funding model adopted pursuant to subsection I of this section in developing and submitting budget requests for the universities under the board's jurisdiction.

K. On or before November 1 of each year, the Arizona board of regents shall submit to the joint legislative budget committee and the governor's office of strategic planning and budgeting a report on university debt and obligations, including:

1. Long-term notes and obligations.

2. Certificates of participation and other obligations pursuant to any lease-purchase agreements.

3. Revenue bonds.

4. Bonds issued pursuant to section 15-1682.03.

5. Commercial paper issued pursuant to section 15-1696.

L. The report submitted pursuant to subsection K of this section must contain, for the most recent fiscal year:

1. The aggregate level of outstanding principal and the principal and interest payments, by type of debt or obligation.

2. An itemization, by campus and project, of the amount of yearly principal and interest to be paid in the most recent and the next five fiscal years.

M. The Arizona board of regents may enter into an intergovernmental agreement pursuant to section 15-1747 to manage universities under the board's jurisdiction subject to the terms of the reciprocity agreement.

N. On or before November 1, 2025 and each year thereafter, the Arizona board of regents shall submit to the joint legislative budget committee each of the following for review:

1. The amount of monies that the board retained from each university under the board's jurisdiction to supplement the board's operating budget.

2. The board's expenditure plan for the current fiscal year for monies that the board retained from each university under the board's jurisdiction.

3. An accounting of how the board spent monies that the board retained from the universities under the board's jurisdiction in the immediately preceding fiscal year.

O. For the purposes of this section, "university debt and obligations" means debt and obligations, the principal and interest of which are paid in whole or in part with university monies.
A.R.S. § 15-910.02 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 910.02
15-910.02 Energy and water savings accounts
Status: in_force

15-910.02. Energy and water savings accounts

A. Each school district may establish an energy and water savings account that consists of a designated pool of capital investment monies to fund energy or water saving projects in school facilities. A school district may deposit in the account monies generated from the energy or water savings projects or measures implemented in school facilities. A school district may use monies in the energy and water savings account for payments under a performance contract entered into pursuant to section 15-213 or 15-213.01.

B. The auditor general and the department of education shall prescribe the appropriate designation of the energy and water savings accounts in the uniform system of financial records and shall prescribe reporting requirements on the appropriate budget forms and annual financial report forms.

C. Monies deposited in an energy and water savings account shall be used as a designated pool of capital investment monies to pay for the incremental cost of energy or water savings measures in school facilities that are owned by the school district.  Any contract entered into pursuant to this section shall contain an agreement between the qualified provider and the energy or water services company that both parties have performed a reasonable investigation to determine that the measures contemplated by the contract will result in stated energy or water savings. Contract terms may extend up to the expected life, according to the manufacturer's equipment standards, of the energy cost savings measures implemented, the term of the financial agreement or twenty-five years, whichever is shortest.

D. Expenditures from an energy and water savings account shall be used only for the following:

1. Projects or measures pursuant to a contract pursuant to this section or section 15-213.01 that save energy or water in school facilities that are owned by the school district. Monies may be used pursuant to this paragraph to provide technical assistance regarding energy or water savings to school districts by a qualified provider or energy or water services company.

2. Payment of principal, interest, related financing costs and prepayment premiums.

E. School districts shall procure energy or water savings measures or services with monies distributed from the energy and water savings accounts.

F. Before the implementation of the energy or water savings measures or services, the qualified provider or energy or water services company shall compute, and the school district shall review and approve, the estimated amount of the energy or water savings and the associated impact on energy, water or other costs and revenue to be achieved by the school district on an annual and monthly basis over the term of the guaranteed energy cost savings contract and shall include these estimates in the contract. The qualified provider and the school district shall update the annual and monthly energy or water savings and associated cost impact estimates annually based on actual experience for the term of the guaranteed energy cost savings contract.

G. Before the implementation of the energy or water savings measures or services, the qualified provider or financial institution, trustee or paying agent and the school district shall jointly develop a schedule of monthly or another mutually agreed-on interval of payments for repayment of the capital investment monies. The repayment schedule shall result in lower energy, water or other costs or increased revenue, which shall include the total cost of all the installed energy or water savings measures for the school district over the expected life, according to the manufacturer's equipment standards, of the energy cost savings measures implemented, the term of the financial agreement or twenty-five years, whichever is shortest. The repayment schedule shall be included in the contract.

H. The school district shall transfer the amount of the payment prescribed pursuant to subsection G of this section to the energy and water savings account from the maintenance and operation portion of the school district's budget to repay any unpaid balance of the capital investment previously deposited in the energy and water savings account from the qualified provider or energy or water services company plus a reasonable carrying charge. For the period of time that the company's capital investment monies and reasonable carrying charge remain unpaid, the qualified provider or energy or water services company shall provide a separate billing or billing component to repay the capital investment pursuant to the repayment schedule prescribed pursuant to subsection G of this section, which shall be paid by the school district from the energy and water savings account. The school district's general budget limit shall be reduced by the amount of monies transferred to the energy and water savings account pursuant to this section.

I. After the balance of the qualified provider's or energy or water services company's capital investment monies deposited in the energy and water savings account plus a reasonable carrying charge are repaid in full by the school district, the school district may discontinue the deposit in the energy and water savings account of amounts that are prescribed in subsection G of this section.

J. Any monies associated with an energy or water savings project remaining in the energy and water savings account after the capital investment monies of the qualified provider or energy or water services company plus a reasonable carrying charge are repaid in full may be transferred to the maintenance and operation portion of the school district's budget, and the general budget limit may be increased by the amount transferred.

K. School districts may deposit energy-related rebate or grant monies in the energy and water savings account to assist in funding energy or water savings projects.  These rebate or grant monies may be used to reduce the total cost of energy or water savings projects and to reduce the amount of capital investment monies received from and repaid to utility, energy or water services companies. School districts are not required to repay the rebate or grant monies in the manner described in subsection G of this section pursuant to the agreements with the providers of rebate or grant funds.

L. School districts shall not use or deposit any excess utilities monies budgeted pursuant to section 15-910 in the energy and water savings account.

M. School districts may deposit monies from other funding sources in the energy and water savings account to fund energy or water saving projects in school facilities. These monies shall be repaid in a manner consistent with this section and pursuant to the contract between the school district and the provider of the funding.

N. This section does not impose an obligation on any energy utility, water utility, public service corporation or agricultural improvement district to invest monies or contract with any school district.
A.R.S. § 15-120.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 120.01
15-120.01 Public schools; child care services; reduced fees
Status: in_force

15-120.01. Public schools; child care services; reduced fees

A public school that provides or contracts for child care services may reduce the fee a public school employee pays for the child care services if the cost the public school pays for those services is not grossly disproportionate to the total consideration received from the employee.
A.R.S. § 15-1184 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 10 / Article 6 / Section 1184
15-1184 Vouchers; requirements; budgets; prohibited uses
Status: in_force

15-1184. Vouchers; requirements; budgets; prohibited uses

A. The director of the division of special education shall develop requirements for the approval of vouchers, as provided in this section, including the following:

1. For a special education residential placement voucher, documentation that the requirements of section 15-765 have been met.

2. For an initial residential education voucher, documentation that the requirements of section 15-1183, subsection B have been met.

3. For a continuing residential education voucher, documentation that the requirements of section 15-1183, subsection C have been met.

B. The home school district shall consider recommendations from the state placing agency when determining whether the child should be placed solely in the private residential facility or should be placed for part of the school day in a school operated by a school district as provided in section 15-1185.

C. The private residential facility must demonstrate that previously received voucher monies were spent appropriately.

D. If approved, the appropriate voucher shall be issued in an amount not exceeding the sum of the following and shall be paid directly to the private residential facility in a manner prescribed by the superintendent of public instruction:

1. For group A and for placements not requiring special education services, the base level multiplied by two.

2. For group B, the sum of the support level weight as provided in section 15-943, paragraph 2, subdivision (a) for kindergarten programs through grade eight or for grades nine through twelve, whichever is appropriate, and the support level weight for the category, multiplied by the base level.

3. For both group A and group B, two hundred forty dollars for capital outlay costs or related services and fifty dollars for transportation or related services costs. Beginning with fiscal year 1991-1992, the amounts provided in this paragraph for capital outlay and transportation are increased by the growth rate prescribed by law, subject to appropriation.

E. When an initial residential education voucher expires the funding for the initial residential education voucher shall be paid directly to the private facility from the date of initial placement until the date on which the voucher expires pursuant to section 15-1183.

F. For the purpose of this article, the chief official of each state placing agency and the superintendent of public instruction shall jointly prescribe a uniform budgeting format to be submitted by each private institution and to be used in determining instructional costs and residential costs of persons placed.

G. Any residential special education placement or residential education voucher issued pursuant to this article shall not be used in any private residential facility that discriminates on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin or disability.

H. Voucher monies shall only be spent to provide education and related services to children placed as provided in this article. The state board of education may withhold funding from an institution for noncompliance with any applicable statute or any applicable rule adopted by the state board.

I. The individualized education program for any child requiring a residential special education placement must include exit criteria that indicate when the educational placement of the child shall be reviewed in order to determine whether the child can be moved to a less restrictive placement.
A.R.S. § 15-101 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 101
15-101 Definitions
Status: in_force

15-101. Definitions

In this title, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Accommodation school" means either:

(a) A school that is operated through the county board of supervisors and the county school superintendent and that the county school superintendent administers to serve a military reservation or territory that is not included within the boundaries of a school district.

(b) A school that provides educational services to homeless children or alternative education programs as provided in section 15-308, subsection B.

(c) A school that is established to serve a military reservation, the boundaries of which are coterminous with the boundaries of the military reservation on which the school is located.

2. "Assessed valuation" means the valuation derived by applying the applicable percentage as provided in title 42, chapter 15, article 1 to the full cash value or limited property value, whichever is applicable, of the property.

3. "Charter holder" means a person that enters into a charter with the state board for charter schools. For the purposes of this paragraph, "person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, association or public or private organization of any kind.

4. "Charter school" means a public school established by contract with 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 pursuant to article 8 of this chapter to provide learning that will improve pupil achievement.

5. "Child with a disability" means a child with a disability as defined in section 15-761.

6. "Class A bonds" means general obligation bonds approved by a vote of the qualified electors of a school district at an election held on or before December 31, 1998.

7. "Class B bonds" means general obligation bonds approved by a vote of the qualified electors of a school district at an election held from and after December 31, 1998.

8. "Competency" means a demonstrated ability in a skill at a specified performance level.

9. "Course" means organized subject matter in which instruction is offered within a given period of time and for which credit toward promotion, graduation or certification is usually given. A course consists of knowledge selected from a subject for instructional purposes in the schools.

10. "Course of study" means a list of required and optional subjects to be taught in the schools.

11. "Dual enrollment course" means a college-level course that is conducted on the campus of a high school or on the campus of a career technical education district, that is applicable to an established community college academic degree or certificate program and that is transferable to a university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents.  A dual enrollment course that is applicable to a community college occupational degree or certificate program may be transferable to a university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents.

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

13. "Fiscal year" means the year beginning July 1 and ending June 30.

14. "Governing board" means a body organized for the government and management of the schools within a school district or a county school superintendent in the conduct of an accommodation school.

15. "Lease" means an agreement for conveyance and possession of real or personal property.

16. "Limited property value" means the value determined pursuant to title 42, chapter 13, article 7. Limited property value shall be used as the basis for assessing, fixing, determining and levying primary property taxes.

17. "Nontest" means not relating to knowledge or skills in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, science or any other course.

18. "Parent" means the natural or adoptive parent of a child or a person who has custody of a child.

19. "Person who has custody" means a parent or legal guardian of a child, a person to whom custody of the child has been given by order of a court or a person who stands in loco parentis to the child.

20. "Primary property taxes" means all ad valorem taxes except for secondary property taxes.

21. "Private school" means a nonpublic institution where instruction is imparted.

22. "School" or "public school" means any public institution established for the purposes of offering instruction to pupils in programs for preschool children with disabilities, kindergarten programs or any combination of elementary grades or secondary grades one through twelve.

23. "School district" means a political subdivision of this state with geographic boundaries organized for the purpose of the administration, support and maintenance of the public schools or an accommodation school.

24. "Secondary grades" means grades nine through twelve.

25. "Secondary property taxes" means ad valorem taxes used to pay the principal of and the interest and redemption charges on any bonded indebtedness or other lawful long-term obligation issued or incurred for a specific purpose by a school district or a community college district and amounts levied pursuant to an election to exceed a budget, expenditure or tax limitation.

26. "Subject" means a division or field of organized knowledge, such as English or mathematics, or a selection from an organized body of knowledge for a course or teaching unit, such as the English novel or elementary algebra.
A.R.S. § 15-747 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 747
15-747 School financial transparency; portal; required information; third-party contractor
Status: in_force

15-747. School financial transparency; portal; required information; third-party contractor

A. Beginning in fiscal year 2021-2022, the department of administration shall develop a transparent and easily accessible school financial transparency portal that includes the following school level data for charter schools, individual schools operated by a school district and school districts:

1. The detailed total revenues generated by weighted student count.

2. The total allocated federal, state and local revenues.

3. The allocation of classroom site fund monies.

4. The amounts allocated for teacher pay and benefits, classroom supplies, student support and other expenditures.

5. A comparison of the funding information for each school in relation to the funding information for other schools in the same local education agency.

6. Any other information that is necessary for a transparent comparison between schools with respect to their revenues, expenditures, student demographics or academic achievement.

B. The department of education and the state board for charter schools shall provide and assist with any necessary data or financial information the department of administration or the contractor selected pursuant to subsection C of this section requests to comply with and implement subsection A of this section.  The auditor general may provide assistance related to this section.

C. The department of administration shall contract with a third party to develop the portal prescribed in subsection A of this section.  The third party selected by the department must meet all of the following:

1. Have experience in building education finance platforms to show school financial information in a transparent and easily understandable format.

2. Be incorporated for at least five years.

3. Have an exclusive focus on K-12 education finance technology.

4. Have at least five years of experience building cloud-hosted education finance software.

5. Have experience integrating with the uniform system of financial records.
A.R.S. § 15-1469 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 12 / Article 4 / Section 1469
15-1469 Attendance of nonresident state students; payment of cost by county of residence and state
Status: in_force

15-1469. Attendance of nonresident state students; payment of cost by county of residence and state

A. The district may admit students from any part of this state that is not a part of an established community college district on the same conditions as residents.

B. The county of the student's residence and this state shall reimburse the district as provided in this subsection and subsection C of this section. The total amount of reimbursement to each community college district from each county that is not a part of an organized community college district and from this state shall be determined as follows:

1. For students attending classes within the established community college district:

(a) Determine the number of full-time equivalent students attending classes within the district from the county for the year preceding the current year.

(b) Determine the operational expenses of the district for the current year, excluding direct and indirect costs of noncredit courses and direct and indirect costs of 300-level and 400-level community college baccalaureate degree courses.

(c) Determine the amount of state aid the district received for the current year as provided in section 15-1466.

(d) Subtract the amount of state aid received for the current year determined in subdivision (c) of this paragraph from the amount of operational expenses for the current year determined in subdivision (b) of this paragraph.

(e) Determine the number of full-time equivalent students enrolled in the district for the current year.

(f) Divide the amount determined in subdivision (d) of this paragraph by the number of full-time equivalent students determined in subdivision (e) of this paragraph.

(g) Multiply the amount determined in subdivision (f) of this paragraph by the average number of full-time equivalent students for the county determined as provided in subdivision (a) of this paragraph.  The resulting amount is the total amount of reimbursement to the district from this state and from the county for the budget year for students attending classes within the established community college district.  Beginning in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, this amount shall be paid to the district as prescribed in subsection C of this section.

2. For students attending classes offered by the district within the county pursuant to section 15-1470, the amount specified in the intergovernmental agreement is the amount of reimbursement to the district from the county for the budget year for students attending classes within the county.

C. Beginning in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the amount calculated pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 1 of this section shall be paid to the district as follows:

1. The county that is not a part of an organized community college district shall reimburse the district for the budget year for students attending classes within the established community college district in an amount that is calculated as follows:

(a) Divide the amount of the primary property tax levy of the district from the prior year by the number of full-time equivalent students enrolled in the district for the current year as determined in subsection B, paragraph 1, subdivision (e) of this section.

(b) Multiply the amount calculated pursuant to subdivision (a) of this paragraph by the number of full-time equivalent students attending classes within the district from the county for the year preceding the current year as determined in subsection B, paragraph 1, subdivision (a) of this section.

2. An amount that is equal to the amount calculated pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 1 of this section minus the amount that is calculated pursuant to paragraph 1 of this subsection shall be paid to the district from the state general fund.

D. On or before May 15 of each year, the staff of the joint legislative budget committee shall:

1. Determine the total amount of reimbursement to each district from each county and this state pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 1 of this section and the amounts that each county and this state must pay to each district under subsection C of this section.

2. Notify the board of supervisors of each county of the amount it must reimburse to each district pursuant to subsection C, paragraph 1 of this section for the budget year.

3. Notify each community college district that is eligible to receive reimbursement of the amount of reimbursement from each county and this state pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 1 and subsection C of this section for the budget year.

E. On or before November 15 and May 15 of each year, the board of supervisors shall draw warrants on the county treasurer in favor of the community college district for half of the amount due pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 2 or subsection C, paragraph 1 of this section.  The board of supervisors shall:

1. Pay monies from the county general fund or levy a community college reimbursement levy pursuant to section 42-17203 for the amount of reimbursement pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement for extension courses as provided in section 15-1470.

2. Pay monies from the county general fund or levy a community college reimbursement levy pursuant to section 42-17203 for the amount of reimbursement pursuant to subsection C, paragraph 1 of this section.

F. Notwithstanding subsection E of this section, a county and a community college district may specify by intergovernmental agreement that the amount of reimbursement due from the county be reduced by the value of in-kind contributions made by the county to the district.

G. For the purposes of subsection B, paragraph 1 of this section, full-time equivalent students are determined in the same manner prescribed by section 15-1466.01.
A.R.S. § 15-534.04 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 534.04
15-534.04 Reciprocal discipline; certificated and noncertificated persons; definition
Status: in_force

15-534.04. Reciprocal discipline; certificated and noncertificated persons; definition

A. A final adjudication or judgment in another jurisdiction that a certificated or noncertificated person has engaged in immoral or unprofessional conduct shall be treated as immoral or unprofessional conduct for the purposes of any disciplinary proceeding conducted against that person in this state.

B. An applicant for certification who has been disciplined in another jurisdiction for immoral or unprofessional conduct shall successfully complete the disciplinary process in that jurisdiction before that person may apply for certification in this state.

C. After receiving notification that a person's educator certificate has been revoked or suspended in another jurisdiction, the state board of education may revoke or suspend all certificates issued in this state to that person in a manner that is consistent with the terms of revocation or suspension in the other jurisdiction, unless that person requests a hearing pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 6. After conducting a hearing requested pursuant to this subsection, the state board of education shall determine whether to uphold or decline the revocation or suspension.

D. A noncertificated person who has been disciplined in another jurisdiction for immoral or unprofessional conduct must successfully complete the disciplinary process in that jurisdiction before the noncertificated person may be employed by a school district or charter school in this state.

E. After receiving notice that another jurisdiction has revoked or suspended a noncertificated person's ability to be employed by a public school in that jurisdiction, the state board of education may prohibit the noncertificated person from being employed by a school district or charter school in this state in a manner that is consistent with the terms of revocation or suspension in the other jurisdiction, unless the noncertificated person requests a hearing pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 6. After conducting a hearing requested pursuant to this subsection, the state board of education shall determine whether to uphold or to decline the revocation or suspension.

F. For the purposes of this section, "noncertificated person" has the same meaning prescribed in section 15-505.
A.R.S. § 15-1899 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 14 / Article 14 / Section 1899
15-1899 Student identification cards; suicide prevention; contact information required; definition
Status: in_force

15-1899. Student identification cards; suicide prevention; contact information required; definition

A. Beginning July 1, 2021, if an institution of higher education issues identification cards to students, the institution of higher education shall include on each new identification card issued to a student at least one of the following:

1. The telephone number for a national suicide prevention lifeline.

2. The telephone number for a national network of local crisis centers.

3. A statement describing how to access a text-based emotional support service.

4. The telephone number for a local suicide prevention hotline.

B. An institution of higher education may include the information described in subsection A of this section on student identification cards by printing the information on, or by affixing a sticker that contains the information to, the identification cards.

C. For the purposes of this section, "institution of higher education" means both:

1. A university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents.

2. A community college as defined in section 15-1401.
A.R.S. § 15-1283 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 10.1 / Article 1 / Section 1283
15-1283 Career training and workforce program; grants; rules
Status: in_force

15-1283. Career training and workforce program; grants; rules

(Caution:  1998 Prop. 105 applies)

A. The department of education shall establish a career training and workforce program to do all of the following:

1. Provide multi-year grants of up to five years to school districts, charter schools and career technical education districts from the career training and workforce fund established by section 15-1282 for the purpose of providing services to students in grades nine through twelve.

2. Provide support to school districts, charter schools and career technical education districts that receive grants from the career training and workforce fund established by section 15-1282.

B. Not later than nine months after the effective date of this section, the department of education shall adopt rules to implement this section.  The rules shall include:

1. Procedures and requirements for school districts, charter schools and career technical education districts to apply for, receive and renew grants from the career training and workforce fund established by section 15-1282, including:

(a) Requiring that grant applications be approved by the governing board or governing body of the school district, charter school or career technical education district.

(b) Providing real-time, accessibly formatted data regarding student grades, attendance and behavior to grade nine teachers and support staff.

(c) Committing to allocate time for grade nine teachers and support staff to meet during the school day to review data and develop strategies to intervene with at-risk students in grade nine, keeping records of such meetings and providing those records to the department on request.

(d) Using grant monies to establish and expand programs, opportunities and strategies allowed under this section and not using grant monies to maintain programs, opportunities and strategies established before the effective date of this section, except when a use is necessary to replace the loss or expiration of time-limited grants and federal monies.

2. Procedures for the department’s evaluation of grant applications received pursuant to this section.

3. Allowable uses of grants received from the career training and workforce fund established by section 15-1282, including:

(a) Developing or expanding career and technical education programs that are tied to medium to high-wage, high-demand careers that result in one or more of direct work experience, industry certification or postsecondary credits.

(b) Developing or expanding career and technical education programs that inspire and prepare students to become classroom teachers.

(c) Hiring school counselors.

(d) Developing and implementing academic acceleration programs under which objective measures are used to enroll students who have reached proficiency into the next more rigorous course in that content area.

(e) Expanding college-level educational opportunities, including:

(i) Advanced placement, international baccalaureate or comparable college-level courses.

(ii) Dual credit, co-enrollment programs or extended co-enrollment programs offered in conjunction with an Arizona community college, public university or other accredited institution of higher learning or postsecondary educational institution.

(iii) Recruiting, licensing, employing and training personnel to provide college-level educational opportunities for high school students.

(f) Assisting students in completing grade nine with sufficient credits to be on track to on-time graduation, including:

(i) Expanding counseling services to students in grade nine and providing summer bridge programs for at-risk, incoming ninth graders.

(ii) Implementing evidence-based strategies and programs to combat chronic absenteeism.

(iii) Providing tutoring and mentoring services.

(iv) Providing real-time, accessibly-formatted data regarding student grades, attendance and behavior to grade nine teachers and support staff.

(v) Allowing grade nine teachers and support staff to meet during the school day to review data and develop strategies to intervene with at-risk students in grade nine, keeping records of such meetings and providing those records to the department upon request.

(g) Expanding tutoring, mentoring, counseling, mental health and wrap-around services that meet high school students’ immediate needs.

(h) Funding to offset the costs of students enrolled in ninth grade and who persist to complete four year career and technical education programs offered pursuant to section 15-393.

4. Procedures that will allow the department to provide ongoing support to school districts, charter schools and career technical education districts that receive grants pursuant to this section.

C. The department of education shall:

1. Begin accepting applications for grants pursuant to this section not later than one year after the effective date of this section.

2. Notify the state treasurer when grants are awarded under this section and direct the state treasurer to transfer monies from the career training and workforce fund established by section 15-1282 to grantees.

D. Grants made pursuant to this section are exempt from title 41, chapters 23 and 24.
A.R.S. § 15-1024 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 9 / Article 7 / Section 1024
15-1024 Interest on bonds; sale; disposition of proceeds; definition
Status: in_force

15-1024. Interest on bonds; sale; disposition of proceeds; definition

A. The bonds shall bear interest, payable semiannually at the rate or rates set by the accepted bid, which shall not exceed the maximum rate of interest set forth in the resolution calling the election. The bonds may be made payable at such place within the United States as the governing board of the school district directs and shall be sold in the manner prescribed by the governing board of the school district for not less than par.

B. The proceeds of the sale of the bonds shall be deposited in the county treasury to the credit of the bond building fund of the school district.  Such deposits may be drawn out for the purposes authorized by this article as other school monies are drawn. If a balance remains in the bond building fund after the acquisition or construction of facilities is completed for which the bonds were issued and on written request of the governing board:

1. If the school district has outstanding bonded indebtedness, the balance remaining in the bond building fund shall be transferred to the debt service fund of the district.

2. If the district has no outstanding bonded indebtedness, the balance remaining in the bond building fund shall be used for reduction of school district taxes.

C. When bonds are sold and the proceeds are not required to be used for a period of ten days or more, such proceeds may be invested as provided by section 15-1025, subsection B. All monies earned as interest or otherwise derived from the investment of the proceeds of the sale of the bonds shall be credited to the debt service fund, except that on the request of the district, the monies earned as interest shall be deposited to the bond building fund if federal laws or rules require the interest to be used for capital expenditures or the monies earned as interest shall be credited to the bond building fund if the voters authorized such use of the monies in a separate question at the bond election. The separate question shall inform the voters that the monies will be credited to the debt service fund, and may therefore reduce the amount of the secondary property tax, if the measure authorizing the monies to be credited to the bond building fund does not pass.

D. The amount of net premium associated with a bond issue may be used only for one or more of the following:

1. To pay costs incurred in issuing the bonds, subject to section 15-491, subsection G and section 15-1465, subsection A.

2. As a deposit in a debt service fund and used only to pay interest on the bonds.

3. For any other purpose, if the district has voter authorization and available capacity under its debt limitations and the amount of net premium used for such purpose will reduce in an equal amount both:

(a) The available aggregate indebtedness capacity of the district under the statutes and constitution of this state.

(b) The principal amount authorized at the election for the district from which the issue of bonds is being sold.

E. Any net premium used as provided in subsection D, paragraph 3 of this section shall be amortized for all debt limitation purposes on a pro rata basis each year by multiplying the net premium used by a percentage equal to the percentage of the total principal amount of the bond issue that matures in that year.

F. For the purposes of this section, "net premium" means the difference between the par amount of the bond issue and the bond issue price determined pursuant to United States treasury regulations.
A.R.S. § 15-256 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 2 / Article 3 / Section 256
15-256 Waivers; federal education flexibility partnership act
Status: in_force

15-256. Waivers; federal education flexibility partnership act

Consistent with the purposes, intent and eligibility requirements of the education flexibility partnership act (20 United States Code section 5891), the superintendent of public instruction may issue to schools and school districts waivers of state statutory requirements related to programs described in 20 United States Code section 5891(b).
A.R.S. § 15-1409 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 12 / Article 1 / Section 1409
15-1409 Community college tuition financing districts; formation; powers and duties; issuance and sale of bonds for capital outlay
Status: in_force

15-1409. Community college tuition financing districts; formation; powers and duties; issuance and sale of bonds for capital outlay

A. A community college tuition financing district shall contract with an existing community college district to provide instructional and student services within the community college tuition financing district.

B. The minimum assessed valuation and population requirements prescribed in section 15-1402 do not apply to community college tuition financing districts.

C. A community college tuition financing district shall be formed in the same manner prescribed in sections 15-1403 and 15-1404, except that the county board of supervisors shall serve as the governing board of the community college tuition financing district and the county board of supervisors by majority vote may adopt a resolution to submit the question of the formation of a community college tuition financing district and the approval of a proposed tax rate to fund the community college tuition financing district directly to the qualified electors of the county at a special or general election called for that purpose as prescribed in section 16-204 and title 35, chapter 3, article 3. The resolution adopted by the county board of supervisors shall include a statement that the primary property tax levy limit for the community college tuition financing district shall be no less than the levy limit of the most recently formed community college district in this state.

D. Except as provided in this section, a county board of supervisors has the same powers and duties specified in section 15-1444 for community college districts.

E. A community college tuition financing district shall not award degrees, certificates or diplomas.

F. A community college tuition financing district is not eligible to receive equalization aid pursuant to section 15-1468 or state contribution for capital outlay for initial or additional campuses pursuant to section 15-1463.

G. The state aid eligibility requirements prescribed in section 15-1466, subsection E, paragraphs 1 and 2 do not apply to community college tuition financing districts.

H. Notwithstanding any other law, the same student shall not be counted twice as a full-time equivalent student in both a community college tuition financing district and a community college district. Notwithstanding any other law, beginning with the fiscal year after the year in which the community college tuition financing district is formed and has established its primary tax rate, a district that provides services in a community college tuition financing district pursuant to section 15-1470 shall no longer count these students in the district's full-time equivalent student count.

I. If a community college tuition financing district is converted into a community college district by the formation of a community college district pursuant to section 15-1402 or 15-1402.01, the community college tuition financing district is dissolved and any equipment, property, personnel, liabilities and assets are transferred to the community college district.

J. If a community college tuition financing district is formed in a county that provides reimbursement for the attendance of nonresident state students pursuant to section 15-1469, that county shall continue to provide reimbursement payments to community college districts as set forth in section 15-1469 until the fiscal year in which a qualifying levy is adopted and budgeted in support of the community college tuition financing district by the county board of supervisors. The total reimbursement payments due to other community college districts in any fiscal year pursuant to section 15-1469 shall be reduced by the amount of any nonqualifying levy expended in the prior fiscal year.  This reduction shall be shared by each community college district that receives a reimbursement payment from the county based on that community college district's proportionate number of full-time equivalent students from the county where the community college tuition financing district is located.  For the purposes of this subsection:

1. "Nonqualifying levy" means a levy that is adopted to support the community college tuition financing district and that is less than the amount of a qualifying levy.

2. "Qualifying levy" means a levy that is at least equal to the sum of the reimbursement payments and the amount of the community college services provided in the fiscal year immediately before the year that a levy was first adopted to support the operations of the community college tuition financing district.

K. The board of supervisors of a county that has formed a community college tuition financing district by majority vote may enter into an intergovernmental agreement to loan monies to the community college tuition financing district in an amount that does not exceed two hundred thousand dollars. Any loan pursuant to this subsection shall be repaid from the next scheduled collection of property taxes to fund the community college tuition financing district.  The annual interest charges on any loan pursuant to this subsection shall not exceed five percent.

L. A community college tuition financing district may issue bonds for capital outlay purposes in the same manner prescribed in section 15-1465 for community college districts. The county board of supervisors is solely responsible for determining the encumbrance and approval of the expenditure of the proceeds of the bonds issued pursuant to this subsection and shall not delegate or transfer this authority to any other entity.

M. Notwithstanding any other law, a provisional community college district that began operations before January 1, 2015:

1. May continue to operate as a provisional community college district. The governing board of a provisional community college district that began operations before January 1, 2015 shall continue to be elected in the same manner prescribed in section 15-1441.

2. Is not eligible to receive monies pursuant to section 15-784 or section 15-1472, subsection D, paragraph 2, subdivision (a).

3. Is not eligible for equalization aid pursuant to section 15-1468.

4. Is not a board as defined in section 15-1481.

5. Unless otherwise specified, is a community college district for purposes of section 42-5029 or 42-5029.02.

6. Is not subject to section 42-17056.
A.R.S. § 15-134 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 134
15-134 Payment of salaries of exchange teachers
Status: in_force

15-134. Payment of salaries of exchange teachers

During the exchange teaching provided for in this article, the salaries of the exchange teachers or professors may be paid by either the school districts or universities or colleges by which they are regularly employed, or by the school districts or universities or colleges in which the exchange teaching service is rendered. The school district or university or college shall pay the salary of only one of the two exchange teachers and in an amount not to exceed the annual salary of its regularly employed teachers or professors.
A.R.S. § 15-538.02 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 538.02
15-538.02 Teachers with short-term certificates; dismissal; notice
Status: in_force

15-538.02. Teachers with short-term certificates; dismissal; notice

Notwithstanding any other law, the governing board may dismiss a teacher who holds a teaching intern certificate, an emergency teaching certificate or another type of nonstandard certificate that is valid for one year or less without complying with the requirements of section 15-537, 15-538 or 15-541. A dismissal pursuant to this section is effective ten days after delivery of the notice of dismissal to the teacher.  Notice of a governing board's authority to dismiss pursuant to this section shall be included in each teacher's contract.
A.R.S. § 15-115.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 115.01
15-115.01 Public educational institution facility; prohibition; definitions
Status: in_force

15-115.01. Public educational institution facility; prohibition; definitions

A. A facility that is run by or that operates on the property of a public educational institution may not perform or provide an abortion, unless the abortion is necessary to save the life of the woman having the abortion.

B. For the purposes of this section:

1. "Abortion" has the same meaning prescribed in section 36-2151.

2. "Medical emergency" has the same meaning prescribed in section 36-2151.

3. "Public educational institution" means any of the following:

(a) A community college as defined in section 15-1401.

(b) A university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents.

(c) A school district, including its schools.

(d) A charter school.

(e) An accommodation school.

(f) The Arizona state schools for the deaf and the blind.
A.R.S. § 15-825 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 825
15-825 Certificates of educational convenience; issuance; effect on enrollment records; reporting requirements
Status: in_force

15-825. Certificates of educational convenience; issuance; effect on enrollment records; reporting requirements

A. A pupil who is precluded by distance, lack of adequate transportation facilities or a parent's or guardian's employment from attending a school in the school district or county of the pupil's residence or who resides in unorganized territory may apply to the pupil's school district of residence or, for a pupil who resides in unorganized territory, the school district of attendance for a certificate of educational convenience. If a pupil who resides in unorganized territory does not have a school district of attendance and seeks to apply for a certificate of educational convenience, the pupil's parent shall enroll the pupil in a school pursuant to article 1.1 of this chapter and apply to the school district that operates that school for a certificate of educational convenience.  A school district that receives an application pursuant to this subsection shall submit the completed application to the county school superintendent electronically, in person or by regular mail.  If it appears to the county school superintendent that it is not feasible for the pupil to attend a school in the school district or county of residence, the county school superintendent shall issue a certificate of educational convenience authorizing the pupil to attend a school in an adjoining school district or county, whether within or without this state. If a certificate of educational convenience is issued as provided in this subsection, the school enrollment of a pupil is as follows:

1. The school enrollment of a pupil who is precluded from attending a school in this state and who must attend school in another state, when certified to the county school superintendent by the official in charge of the school attended, is deemed for the purpose of determining student count to be enrollment in the school of the county or school district of the student's residence.

2. The school enrollment of a pupil from unorganized territory or from another school district is deemed for the purpose of determining student count to be enrollment in the school district of actual attendance.

B. The county school superintendent of any county in which a pupil is placed as described in this subsection shall issue a certificate of educational convenience for the pupil to attend school in the school district or adjoining school district to that in which the pupil is placed by an agency of this state or a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction in one of the following:

1. A state rehabilitation or corrective institution.

2. A foster home or child care agency or institution that is licensed and supervised by the department of child safety or the department of health services.

3. A residential facility that is operated or supported by the department of economic security or the department of health services.

4. Under the supervision of the department of juvenile corrections, a residence pursuant to the interstate compact on juveniles. Notwithstanding section 41-1959, the placing agency, department or institution shall provide the school district of attendance with the necessary information to enable the district to obtain a certificate of educational convenience pursuant to this subsection.

C. A pupil attending school under a certificate of educational convenience issued pursuant to subsection B of this section is deemed for the purpose of determining student count to be enrolled in the school district of attendance. The county school superintendent of any county shall not issue a certificate of educational convenience as provided in subsection B of this section if the pupil is placed in the same district of the pupil's parents' or legal guardians' residence or if the pupil is placed without a court order and the pupil's parents or legal guardians are not residents of this state.

D. If a certificate of educational convenience is issued as provided in subsection B of this section, or for a pupil whose parent or guardian is employed and domiciled by a state institution as prescribed by section 15-976, tuition may be charged as follows:

1. For group B children with disabilities:

(a) Who are from unorganized territory, whose parent or guardian is employed by a state institution as prescribed by section 15-976 or who have been issued a certificate of educational convenience pursuant to subsection B of this section, the superintendent of public instruction shall reimburse the district of attendance for the excess costs as provided in section 15-824, subsection E, paragraph 4.

(b) Who are from another school district, the school district of residence shall reimburse the district of attendance for the excess costs as provided in section 15-824, subsection E, paragraph 4.

2. For pupils who are precluded from attending a school in this state and who must attend a school in another state:

(a) If the pupil resides in a school district in this state, the district of residence shall pay the amount charged by the district of attendance.

(b) If the pupil resides in unorganized territory, the superintendent of public instruction shall pay the amount charged by the district of attendance.

E. The county school superintendent who issues a certificate of educational convenience shall notify the superintendent of public instruction of the issuance of the certificate. The superintendent of public instruction shall draw a warrant in favor of the school district of actual attendance for the amount charged, whether for common or high school attendance, as provided in section 15-824.

F. The total amount of state monies that may be spent in any fiscal year by the superintendent of public instruction for certificates of educational convenience shall not exceed the amount appropriated or authorized by section 35-173 for that purpose. This section does not impose a duty on an officer, agent or employee of this state to discharge a responsibility or create any right in a person or group if the discharge or right would require an expenditure of state monies in excess of the expenditure authorized by legislative appropriation for that specific purpose.

G. On or before January 1 of each year, each county school superintendent shall report to the department of education the total number of certificates of educational convenience that the county school superintendent issued pursuant to subsection A of this section during the previous calendar year and the total number of certificates of educational convenience that the county school superintendent issued pursuant to subsection B of this section during the previous calendar year.

H. The department of education shall maintain the reports received under subsection G of this section.
A.R.S. § 15-1461.01 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 12 / Article 4 / Section 1461.01
15-1461.01 Truth in taxation notice and hearing; roll call vote on tax increase; definition
Status: in_force

15-1461.01. Truth in taxation notice and hearing; roll call vote on tax increase; definition

A. On or before February 10 of the tax year, the county assessor shall transmit and certify to the property tax oversight commission and to the district governing board the total net assessed values that are required to compute the levy limit prescribed by section 42-17051. If the proposed primary property tax levy, excluding amounts that are attributable to new construction, is greater than the amount levied in the preceding tax year by the district:

1. The district governing board shall publish a notice that meets all of the following requirements:

(a) Is published twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the district. The first publication shall be at least fourteen but not more than twenty days before the date of the hearing. The second publication shall be at least seven but not more than ten days before the date of the hearing.

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

(c) Is at least one-fourth page in size and is surrounded by a solid black border at least one-eighth inch in width.

(d) Is in the following form, 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 15-1461.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, (name of community college district) is notifying its property taxpayers of (name of community college district's) intention to raise its primary property taxes over last year's level. The (name of community college district) is proposing an increase in primary property taxes of $__________ or _____%.

For example, the proposed tax increase will cause (name of community college district's) primary property taxes on a $100,000 home to be $(total proposed taxes including the tax increase). Without the proposed tax increase, the total taxes that would be owed on a $100,000 home would have been $_____.

This proposed increase is exclusive of increased primary property taxes received from new construction. 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 tax increase that is scheduled to be held (date and time) at (location).

(e) Is included in the proposed budget and in the budget finally adopted pursuant to section 15-1461.

2. In lieu of publishing the truth in taxation notice, the district 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 district governing board shall issue a press release containing the truth in taxation notice to all newspapers of general circulation in the district. The press release must:

(a) Include the name of the newspaper of general circulation in which the truth in taxation notice will be published and the dates on which the truth in taxation notice will be published.

(b) Be posted on the official website of the community college district.

4. The district board shall consider a motion to levy the increased property taxes by roll call vote. If the proposed levy, exclusive of increased property taxes received from new construction, constitutes an increase over the preceding tax year's levy by fifteen percent or more, the motion to levy the increased property taxes must be approved by a unanimous roll call vote of the district board.

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

6. The district board shall hold the truth in taxation hearing on or before the adoption of the county, city or town budget under section 42-17105.

B. If the governing board fails to comply with the requirements of this section, the governing board shall not fix, levy or assess an amount of primary property taxes that exceeds the preceding year's amount, except for amounts attributable to new construction.

C. For the purposes of this section, "amount attributable to new construction" means the net assessed valuation of property added to the tax roll since the previous year multiplied by a property tax rate computed by dividing the district's primary property tax levy in the preceding year by the estimate of the district's total net assessed valuation for the current year, excluding the net assessed valuation attributable to new construction.
A.R.S. § 15-1864 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 14 / Article 6 / Section 1864
15-1864 Students' right to speak in a public forum; protests and demonstrations; invited speakers; court actions
Status: in_force

15-1864. Students' right to speak in a public forum; protests and demonstrations; invited speakers; court actions

A. A university or community college shall not restrict a student's right to speak, including verbal speech, holding a sign or distributing fliers or other materials, in a public forum, but may impose reasonable time, place and manner restrictions as allowed in this section.

B. A university or community college shall not impose restrictions on the time, place and manner of student speech that occurs in a public forum and that is protected by the first amendment to the United States Constitution unless the restrictions:

1. Are reasonable.

2. Are justified without reference to the content of the regulated speech.

3. Are necessary to achieve a compelling governmental interest.

4. Are the least restrictive means to further that compelling government interest.

5. Leave open ample alternative channels for communication of the information.

6. Allow spontaneous assembly and distribution of literature.

C. A person who is lawfully present on a university or community college campus may engage in expressive activity, including a protest or demonstration, in any area where the person is lawfully present. Individual conduct that materially and substantially infringes on the rights of other persons to engage in or listen to expressive activity is not allowed and is subject to sanction. This subsection does not prohibit:

1. A university or community college from regulating economic activity on the university's or community college's campus.

2. Faculty members from maintaining order in the classroom.

D. The public areas of university and community college campuses are public forums and are open on the same terms to any speaker.

E. University and community college campuses are open to any speaker whom a student, student group or faculty member has invited.

F. A university or community college shall make reasonable efforts and make available reasonable resources to address the safety of an invited speaker and other persons in attendance. A university or community college may not charge security fees based on the content of the speech of the person who invited a speaker or of the invited speaker.  A university or community college may restrict the use of its nonpublic facilities to invited individuals.

G. An individual student or a faculty or staff member of a university or community college may take a position on the public policy controversies of the day, but the institution is encouraged to attempt to remain neutral, as an institution, on the public policy controversies of the day unless the administrative decisions on such issues are essential to the day-to-day functioning of the university or community college.

H. A university or community college may not take action, as an institution, on the public policy controversies of the day in a way that requires students or faculty members to publicly express or endorse a particular view of a public policy controversy.

I. The following persons may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin any violation of this article by any university, community college, faculty member or administrator or to recover reasonable court costs and reasonable attorney fees:

1. The attorney general.

2. A person whose expressive rights were violated by a violation of this article.

J. In an action brought under subsection I of this section, if the court finds that a violation of this article occurred, the court shall award the aggrieved person injunctive relief for the violation and shall award reasonable court costs and reasonable attorney fees. The court shall also award damages of $1,000 or actual damages, whichever is greater.

K. A person shall bring an action for a violation of this article within one year after the date the cause of action accrues. For the purpose of calculating the one-year limitation period, each day that the violation persists or each day that a policy in violation of this article remains in effect constitutes a new violation of this article and shall be considered a day that the cause of action has accrued.
A.R.S. § 15-1465 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 12 / Article 4 / Section 1465
15-1465 Election; issuance and sale of bonds for capital outlay; disposition of proceeds; proration of expenditures by counties
Status: in_force

15-1465. Election; issuance and sale of bonds for capital outlay; disposition of proceeds; proration of expenditures by counties

A. A district may conduct an election to determine whether or not bonds shall be issued and sold for the purpose of paying its share of the expenditures incurred for capital outlay. The election shall be originated and conducted, the bonds issued, sold and redeemed and a tax levy imposed for payment of interest on such bonds and redemption of bonds in accordance with title 35, chapter 3, article 3 and the limitations imposed on school districts by article IX, section 8, Constitution of Arizona, insofar as those provisions are applicable.  The election shall be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November as prescribed by section 16-204, subsection B, paragraph 1, subdivision (d).  Bond counsel fees, financial advisory fees, printing costs and paying agent and registrar fees shall be paid from either the amount authorized by the qualified electors of the community college district or current operating funds. Bond election expenses shall be paid from current operating funds only.

B. The proceeds of all bonds sold as provided in subsection A of this section shall be used only for capital outlay, including the purchase of land, the purchase, erection, remodeling or completion of buildings and the purchase of equipment and facilities for educational or auxiliary purposes of the community college district.

C. Where a district contains more than one county, subsections A and B of this section shall be applicable separately to each of the counties as to its portion of the expenditures to be paid for capital outlay in setting up the physical plant of the district even though the proposed plant is to be established, wholly or partly, in one county of the district.

D. The portion of the expenditures for capital outlay to be prorated by each county of a district shall be determined in the ratio that the assessed valuation of each county within the district bears to the total assessed valuation of all counties within the district.
A.R.S. § 15-110 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 110
15-110 Rights of students at public educational institutions; limitations; definition
Status: in_force

15-110. Rights of students at public educational institutions; limitations; definition

A. A public educational institution shall not discriminate against students or parents on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression.

B. If an assignment requires a student's viewpoint to be expressed in coursework, artwork or other written or oral assignments, a public educational institution shall not penalize or reward a student on the basis of religious content or a religious viewpoint.  In such an assignment, a student's academic work that expresses a religious viewpoint shall be evaluated based on ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance to the course curriculum or requirements of the coursework or assignment.

C. Students in public educational institutions may pray or engage in religious activities or religious expression before, during and after the school day in the same manner and to the same extent that students may engage in nonreligious activities or expression.

D. Students in public educational institutions may wear clothing, accessories and jewelry that display religious messages or religious symbols in the same manner and to the same extent that other types of clothing, accessories and jewelry that display messages or symbols are permitted.

E. This section shall not be construed to authorize this state or any of its political subdivisions to do either of the following:

1. Require any person to participate in prayer or in any other religious activity.

2. Violate the constitutional rights of any person.

F. This section shall not be construed to limit the authority of any public educational institution to do any of the following:

1. Maintain order and discipline on the campus of the public educational institution in a content and viewpoint neutral manner.

2. Protect the safety of students, employees and visitors of the public educational institution.

3. Adopt and enforce policies and procedures regarding student speech at school provided that the policies and procedures do not violate the rights of students as guaranteed by the United States and Arizona constitutions and laws.

4. Adopt and enforce policies and procedures that prohibit students from wearing any type of clothing, accessories and jewelry that is worn with the intent to convey affiliation with a criminal street gang as defined in section 13-105.

G. A student or a student's parent shall not initiate legal action to enforce this section unless the student or the student's parent has done the following:

1. The student or the student's parent shall submit a complaint in writing with the specific facts of the alleged violation to the principal of the school.  The principal shall investigate the complaint and respond in writing, including a description of any action taken to resolve the complaint, within fifteen days of receiving the written complaint.

2. If the action taken by the principal of the school does not resolve the complaint of the student or the student's parent, the student or the student's parent shall submit a complaint in writing with the specific facts of the alleged violation to the superintendent or designated administrator.  The superintendent or designated administrator shall investigate the complaint and respond in writing, including a description of any action taken to resolve the complaint, within twenty-five days of receiving the written complaint.

3. If the action taken by the superintendent or designated administrator does not resolve the complaint of the student or the student's parent, the student or the student's parent may pursue legal action to enforce this section.

H. For the purposes of this section, "public educational institution" means any of the following:

1. A school district, including its schools.

2. A charter school.

3. An accommodation school.

4. The Arizona state schools for the deaf and the blind.
A.R.S. § 15-1484 — Arizona Code / Title 15 / Chapter 12 / Article 5 / Section 1484
15-1484 Powers to secure bonds
Status: in_force

15-1484. Powers to secure bonds

A. In connection with the issuance of the bonds authorized by section 15-1483, or in order to secure the payment of such bonds and interest thereon, the board shall have power by resolution to:

1. Fix and maintain tuitions, fees, rentals and other charges from students, faculty members and others using or being served by, or having the right to use or the right to be served by, any project.

2. Provide that bonds issued under this article may be secured by a first, exclusive and closed lien on all or any certain part of the income and revenue derived from, and shall be payable from tuitions, fees, rentals and other charges from students, faculty members and others using or being served by, or having the right to use or the right to be served by, any project.

3. Pledge and assign to, or in trust for the benefit of, the holder or holders of the bonds issued hereunder an amount of the income and revenue derived from tuitions, fees, rentals and other charges from students, faculty members and others using or being served by, or having the right to use or the right to be served by, any project.

4. Covenant with or for the benefit of the holder or holders of bonds issued under this article to acquire any project, that as long as any such bonds remain outstanding and unpaid the board will fix, maintain and collect in such installments as may be agreed upon an amount of the tuitions, fees, rentals and other charges from students, faculty members and others using or being served by, or having the right to use or the right to be served by, any project, which shall be sufficient to pay when due the bonds issued hereunder to acquire such project, and interest thereon, and to create and maintain reasonable reserves therefor and to pay the costs of operation and maintenance of such project including, but not limited to, reserves for extraordinary repairs, insurance and maintenance, which costs of operation and maintenance shall be determined by the board in its absolute discretion.

5. Make and enforce and agree to make and enforce parietal rules that shall insure the use of any project by all students in attendance at the institution to the maximum extent to which such project is capable of serving such students, or if any part of the project is designed for occupancy as living quarters for the faculty members, by as many faculty members as may be served thereby.

6. Covenant that as long as any of the bonds issued under this article remain outstanding and unpaid it will not, except upon such terms and conditions as may be determined:

(a) Voluntarily create or cause to be created any debt, lien, pledge, assignment, encumbrance or other charge having priority to or being on a parity with the lien of the bonds issued under this article upon any of the income and revenues derived from tuitions, fees, rentals and other charges from students, faculty members and others using or being served by, or having the right to use or the right to be served by, any project.

(b) Convey or otherwise alienate the project to acquire which such bonds shall have been issued or the real estate upon which such project shall be located, except at a price sufficient to pay all the bonds then outstanding issued under this article to acquire such project and interest accrued thereon, and then only in accordance with any agreements with the holder or holders of such bonds.

(c) Mortgage or otherwise voluntarily create or cause to be created any encumbrance on the project to acquire which such bonds shall have been issued or the real estate upon which it shall be located.

7. Covenant as to the procedure by which the terms of any contract with a holder or holders of such bonds may be amended or abrogated, the amount or percentage of bonds the holder or holders of which must consent to an amendment or abrogation and the manner in which such consent may be given.

8. Vest in a trustee or trustees the right to receive all or any part of the income and revenue pledged and assigned to, or for the benefit of, the holder or holders of bonds issued hereunder, and to hold, apply and dispose of the same and the right to enforce any covenant made to secure or pay or in relation to the bonds, and execute and deliver a trust agreement or trust agreements which may set forth the powers and duties and the remedies available to such trustee or trustees and limiting the liabilities thereof and describing what occurrences shall constitute events of default and prescribing the terms and conditions upon which such trustee or trustees or the holder or holders of bonds of any specified amount or percentage of such bonds may exercise such rights and enforce any and all such covenants and resort to such remedies as may be appropriate.

9. Vest in a trustee or trustees or the holder or holders of any specified amount or percentage of bonds the right to apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for, and have granted, the appointment of a receiver or receivers of the income and revenue pledged and assigned to or for the benefit of the holder or holders of such bonds, which receiver or receivers may have and be granted such powers and duties as such court may order or decree for the protection of the bondholders.

10. Make covenants with any federal agency, private agency, corporation or individual to perform any and all acts and to do any and all such things as may be necessary or convenient or desirable in order to secure such bonds or as may in the judgment of the board tend to make the bonds more marketable, notwithstanding that such acts or things may not be enumerated herein, and to lease any project for the best interests of the institution, and to perform all acts and to do all things not inconsistent with the constitution of this state as may be necessary or convenient or desirable for the issuance of such bonds and for their security.

11. Enter into any and all contracts and agreements necessary to accomplish the acquisition of the project or projects including agreements for construction, engineering and architectural services and agreements covering disposition and application of the proceeds received from the sale of the bonds.

B. No bond shall be issued pursuant to this section for any institution that causes the total aggregate face amount of all bonds issued pursuant to this section to have maximum annual debt service that exceeds, in any fiscal year, more than eight per cent of such institution's current expenditures less any expenditures for retirement of general obligation bonds principal or interest, or both.  General obligation bonds are excluded from this provision. For the purposes of this section, the amount of the institution's current expenditures less any expenditures for retirement of general obligation bonds principal or interest, or both, shall be determined by reference to the most recently adopted budget of the institution as of the date of issuance of bonds issued pursuant to this section.