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's 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, stating that any governing board member who fails to complete the training and notify the county school superintendent will be deemed ineligible for election or appointment, particularly in high-risk school districts identified by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG).

Moreover, the bill removes the existing prohibition on appointing registered sex offenders to governing boards and establishes new procedural requirements, including annual reporting obligations for training completion by governing board members and county school superintendents. It also mandates that county school superintendents provide approved training programs and allows the Arizona Department of Education to offer training for those who have not completed the program, with the possibility of charging the school district for associated costs. Overall, these updates aim to improve the financial literacy 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