Higher Education Scholarships for High School Pupils Act Exposed

The Higher Education Scholarships for High School Pupils Act was adopted by ALEC's Education Task Force at the Annual Meeting in August 2010 and approved by the ALEC Board of Directors in September 2010.

ALEC Bill Text

Summary

This bill enables a school district to adopt and offer higher education scholarships for high school pupils to any high school pupil who graduates high school early and who achieves a score in the “proficient” range or above on all subjects tested in the statewide assessment. The scholarship would be equivalent to 1/2 of the total per-pupil expenditure for high school pupils in such school district to be used to defray tuition costs at any public or private institution of higher education within or outside of [state].

Legislation

Section 1. {Title} Higher Education Scholarships for High School Pupils

Section 2. {Basic elements of the Act}

Upon adoption of this subdivision in a school district, a pupil who graduates from high school prior to his or her scheduled graduation date, and who achieves a score in the “proficient” range or above in all subjects tested in the statewide assessments, shall receive from the school district in which he or she resides, a scholarship equal to 1/2 of the total per pupil expenditure for high school pupils in such school district for the purpose of defraying tuition costs at any public or private institution of higher education within or outside of [state].

Section 3. {Procedure for adoption}

(A) Any school district may adopt the provisions of this chapter in the following manner:

(1) In a school district, other than a school district that has adopted a charter, the question shall be placed on the warrant of a special or annual school district meeting, by the governing body or by petition.

(2) In a school district that has adopted a charter, the legislative body may consider and act upon the question in accordance with its normal procedures for passage of resolutions, ordinances, and other legislation. In the alternative, the legislative body of such school district may vote to place the question on the official ballot for any regular municipal election.

(B) The vote shall include the provisions of this chapter. If a majority of those voting on the question vote “yes,” the provisions of this chapter shall take effect within the school district, on the date set by the governing body, or July 1 following its adoption, whichever shall occur first.

(C) A school district may modify, if applicable, or rescind the provisions of this chapter in the manner described in this section.

(D) An amendment to this chapter related to the amount of the scholarship or eligibility for the scholarship, shall apply in a school district which previously adopted the provision only after the school district complies with the procedure in this section, unless otherwise expressly required by law.

Section 4. {Severability clause}

Section 5. {Repealer clause}

Section 6. {Effective date} This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.