Bill Text: GA HB198 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Elementary and secondary education; kindergarten program; 810 hours per school year; provisions

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 5-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2009-02-06 - House Withdrawn, Recommitted [HB198 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2009-HB198-Introduced.html

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09 LC 33 2702

House Bill 198

By: Representatives Williams of the 178th, Roberts of the 154th, Jones of the 46th, Ramsey of the 72nd, Peake of the 137th, and others

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to elementary and secondary education, so as to provide for a full-day kindergarten program for a minimum of 810 hours per school year; to require a minimum number of hours of education annually to students based on grade level; to revise certain provisions relating to the base pay of school food and nutrition personnel for purposes of conformity; to require that the residential high school program for gifted youth is operated a minimum number of hours annually; to revise the definition of "school year" relating to teacher contracts for purposes of conformity; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to elementary and secondary education, is amended in Code Section 20-2-151, relating to general and career education programs, by revising subparagraph (b)(1)(A) as follows:

"(1)(A) All local school systems shall offer a full-day kindergarten program. For purposes of this subsection, the term 'full-day basis' means in which a student is provided classroom instruction for a minimum of four and one-half 810 hours daily annually for a 180 day school year."

SECTION 2.

Said chapter is further amended in Code Section 20-2-168, relating to distribution of federal funds, combined purchase of supplies and equipment, minimum school year, summer school programs, and year-round operation, by revising paragraph (1) of subsection (c) as follows:

"(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, public elementary and secondary schools of this state receiving state aid under this article shall provide each eligible student with access to no less than 180 school days the following total number of hours of education each fiscal year:

(A) For grades 1 through 3, 810 hours;

(B) For grades 4 and 5, 900 hours; and

(C) For grades 6 through 12, 990 hours.

The State Board of Education Each local board of education shall define a school year, which shall be no less than 180 days of instruction in accordance with the provisions of this subsection, and shall define the length of the school day,. The State Board of Education and shall provide that all public elementary and secondary schools may be closed for instruction on November 11 of each year as determined by each local board of education to enable students, teachers, and administrators to participate in Veterans Day programs to honor veterans of the armed forces."

SECTION 3.

Said chapter is further amended in Code Section 20-2-187, relating to state-wide school lunch program, instruction in nutrition, hygiene, etiquette, and social graces, and school food and nutrition, by amending paragraph (2) of subsection (c) as follows:

"(2) The base payment shall be calculated on the basis of an annual number of hours (190 days multiplied by eight hours) 1,520 hours in an annual school year for a full-time equivalent school lunch position, multiplied by an amount not less than $161.00 per month for 12 months. Future annual increases in the base payment shall reflect the same percentage increase provided by the state for other state funded positions. The state board shall annually establish a state performance standard and shall determine the number of full-time equivalent school lunch positions needed to plan, prepare, and serve meals based on the state performance standard and the average daily number of student lunches served during the preceding school year."

SECTION 4.

Said chapter is further amended in Code Section 20-2-306, relating to honors program and residential high school program, by revising subsection (b) as follows:

"(b) The State Board of Education is authorized to inaugurate and operate a residential high school program for highly gifted and talented youth of this state. This residential high school program shall consist only of students in the eleventh and twelfth grades. Enrollment shall be by student application and on a voluntary basis; provided, however, that the parent or legal guardian of each student must have signed an agreement authorizing enrollment in this program. This program shall be operated during the normal school year for a minimum of 180 days 990 total hours, in cooperation with one or more of the state universities or colleges from funds provided by the General Assembly. The state board is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia concerning the operation and sharing of costs of this program. The state board shall prescribe policy, regulations, standards, and criteria as needed for the effective operation of this program."

SECTION 5.

Said chapter is further amended in Code Section 20-2-942, relating to procedure for nonrenewal after acceptance by teacher of school year contract for fourth consecutive school year, procedure for nonrenewal by another local board of education, professional certificated personnel, rights of school administrators, and tenure, by revising paragraph (2) of subsection (a) as follows:

"(2) 'School year' means a period of at least 180 school days established pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection (c) of Code Section 20-2-168 beginning in or about September and ending in or about June."

SECTION 6.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.