The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes related to school district governing boards by introducing new training requirements for board members. Specifically, it would require the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), in consultation with the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), to develop a comprehensive training program that includes topics such as public school finance, compliance with financial records, budget development, and audit procedures. This training could be delivered through various formats, including in-person workshops, virtual workshops, or self-paced online modules. Additionally, each governing board member would be mandated to complete training on governance, fiduciary duties, community engagement, and other relevant professional development topics at least biennially.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that failure to complete the required training would render a governing board member ineligible for nomination, election, or appointment to the governing board. It also allows the ADE to charge school districts for the costs associated with providing this training. The bill includes provisions for reporting training completion to the county school superintendent and makes technical and conforming changes to existing statutes. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the governance and operational effectiveness of school district boards in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-326
House Engrossed Version: 15-349, 15-421, 15-271, 15-904