The proposed bill would update current statutes by mandating that each member of a school district governing board complete a training program on school finance within 45 days of their term start. This program must consist of at least eight hours of instruction on school finance, governance, and fiduciary duties. Additionally, it introduces a new criterion for ineligibility for election or appointment to the governing board for members who fail to complete the training and notify the county school superintendent, particularly if their district is classified as high-risk by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG). The bill also establishes annual reporting requirements for training completion and allows for intergovernmental agreements to facilitate training.

Moreover, the bill removes the existing prohibition on appointing registered sex offenders to governing boards and replaces it with new ineligibility criteria based on compliance with the training requirements outlined in the newly added section 15-349, subsection E. It specifies the responsibilities of county school superintendents in providing approved training programs and mandates annual notifications to the state board of education regarding training completion. Non-compliance with these training requirements could lead to ineligibility for future nominations or appointments, thereby enhancing the qualifications and accountability of school district governing board members.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-302, 15-349, 15-421, 15-481
House Engrossed Version: 15-302, 15-349, 15-421, 15-481
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-302, 15-349, 15-421, 15-481