This bill proposes the establishment of a high school success grant program within the Department of Education, aimed at funding ninth-grade on-track programs and services in public schools. The bill outlines the procedures for public schools to apply for grants, which must be approved by their governing boards before submission. It mandates that eligible schools receive grants of $150 per enrolled ninth-grade student, adjusted for inflation after fiscal year 2025-2026, with prioritization for schools in good standing and those serving economically disadvantaged students. Additionally, the bill requires grant recipients to implement various strategies to support ninth-grade students in staying on track for graduation.

The bill also establishes a dedicated fund for the high school success grant program, which will be continuously appropriated and exempt from lapsing provisions. It mandates annual appropriations from the legislature to ensure ongoing funding, with specific criteria for determining whether a student is on track to graduate. Overall, the bill aims to enhance support for ninth-grade students through targeted funding and structured programs, thereby improving their chances of graduating high school on time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-249.08