S257 - Appropriations Act of 2017. (SL 2017-57)

Overview: S.L. 2017-57, Sec. 7.22 makes several changes regarding Cooperative Innovative High Schools (CIHSs). This section modifies the funding formula for CIHS in Tier I, II, and III areas, respectively. CIHS in Tier I areas will receive $275,000 in recurring funds for each fiscal year (except for virtual cooperative innovative high schools, which will receive $200,000 and the Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience, which will receive $310,000). CIHS in Tier II areas will receive $200,000 in recurring funds for each fiscal year. CIHS in Tier III areas will receive $180,000 in recurring funds and $20,000 in nonrecurring funds for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. These units will receive $180,000 in recurring funds for the 2018-2019 school year. Funds will also be provided to schools that have been approved since July 1, 2015, if the CIHS requested additional funds in its application and has not received funds from this allotment in the prior fiscal year.  This section also requires multiple evaluations to be conducted by various entities. The State Board of Community Colleges, the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina, and the State Board of Education are required to study and report to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Education/Higher Education, the House Appropriations Committee on Education, the Fiscal Research Division, and the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on the costs associated with the Career and College Promise Program. The report must be submitted by February 15, 2018. Additionally, the State Board of Community Colleges, in conjunction with the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina must annually evaluate the Career and College Promise Program and report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by January 15 of each year.

This section became effective July 1, 2017.