No later than August 1, 1994, the State Department of Education shall identify eight school districts eligible to receive Alternative Education Academy Grants based on the criteria set out in subsection A of Section 62 of this act. The Department shall notify the eligible districts and require the districts to submit plans for Alternative Education Academy programs no later than November 1, 1994. The initial programs shall be implemented no later than the beginning of the second semester of the 1994-95 school year. The technical assistance provider shall provide assistance to the identified districts in assessing needs and designing programs. Two or more of the identified districts may submit one program plan if the plan will serve students in the cooperating districts. Identified districts that do not submit plans for and implement effective programs as determined by the technical assistance provider shall be penalized in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount of State Aid the district received for the 1994-95 school year. The penalty shall be enforced by reducing State Aid to the district during the following school year. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules establishing an appeal process to the Board for districts which have been assessed a penalty.

Laws 1994, c. 290, § 63, eff. July 1, 1994.