81R9407 KKA-D

By: Eissler H.B. No. 2264

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to establishment of an after-school grant program for certain students in public middle or junior high schools.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 29, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 29.091 to read as follows:

Sec. 29.091. MIDDLE AND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM FOR AFTER-SCHOOL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES. (a) From funds appropriated for that purpose, the commissioner shall establish a program under which grants are awarded to school districts to implement after-school learning opportunities for students in middle and junior high schools who are at risk of dropping out of school, as described by Section 29.081(d).

(b) Activities funded with a grant under this section must be designed to:

(1) promote the ability of students to succeed in middle or junior high school;

(2) prepare students for the transition to high school so that the students enter high school with the ability to succeed, graduate, and successfully pursue postsecondary options;

(3) provide students with the opportunity to investigate diverse career options; and

(4) provide students and their parents with information regarding opportunities for higher education.

(c) The commissioner shall establish application criteria for receiving a grant under this section. The criteria must require a school district that applies for a grant to collaborate with local businesses and nonprofit organizations in providing activities designed to achieve the goals described by Subsection (b).

(d) The commissioner may:

(1) accept gifts, grants, or donations from a private foundation to implement a grant program under this section; and

(2) coordinate gifts, grants, or donations with other available funding to implement a grant program under this section.

(e) The commissioner shall establish procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of activities funded with a grant awarded under this section. The procedures must include consideration of:

(1) school attendance rates;

(2) student performance in academic subjects; and

(3) subsequent high school completion rates.

(f) The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to administer the grant program under this section.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.