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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
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HB 2838: education workforce innovation; pilot program
Sponsor: Representative Weninger, LD 13
Committee on Education
Overview
Creates the Education and Workforce Innovation Pilot Program (Pilot Program) within the State Board of Education (SBE) to develop and test innovative models of education that are aligned to student outcomes, attainment and workforce readiness.
History
SBE exercises general supervision over and regulates the conduct of the public school system. To do this, SBE may adopt any rules and policies it deems necessary to accomplish its purpose. Statute details the powers and duties of SBE, which include recommending to the Legislature changes or additions to the statutes pertaining to schools (A.R.S. § 15-203).
The Arizona State Board for Charter Schools (ASBCS) exercises general supervision over ASBCS-sponsored charter schools, recommends charter school-related legislation to the Legislature and adopts rules and policies it deems necessary to accomplish its statutory duties (A.R.S. § 15-182).
Provisions
1. Establishes the Pilot Program that is administered by SBE to develop and test innovative models of education that are aligned to student outcomes, attainment and workforce readiness.
2. Repeals the Program on July 2, 2031.
3. Requires SBE to establish an advisory committee that:
a. is composed of not more than seven members appointed by the SBE executive director;
b. includes members who represent ASBCS and SBE; and
c. must select one member to serve as chairperson in its first meeting.
4. Instructs SBE to provide staff and meeting space for the advisory committee.
5. Specifies advisory committee members are not eligible to receive compensation but are eligible for reimbursement of expenses as authorized by statute.
6. Tasks the advisory committee with:
a. recommending to SBE:
i. Pilot Program policies, procedures and guidelines; and
ii. an application for school districts and charter schools to participate in the Pilot Program;
b. reviewing applications and recommending qualified applicants to SBE;
c. monitoring participating public schools to ensure the public school protects student rights, safety and equity; and
d. submitting specified annual reports to SBE.
7. Requires SBE to select up to five public schools recommended by the advisory committee to participate in the Pilot Program for three school years as specified.
8. Authorizes a school district or charter school to apply to participate in the Pilot Program by submitting in the application developed by the advisory committee:
a. a description of the proposed innovative model and expected outcomes;
b. a request for an exemption, waiver or modification of specific state laws, rules or policies, with an explanation of the reason for the request;
c. specific goals and all methods the applicant will use to evaluate progress and outcomes;
d. a timeline for implementing the innovative model;
e. a plan for:
i. sustaining the innovative model after the Pilot Program's termination;
ii. terminating the innovative model on the Pilot Program's termination, or as directed by SBE; and
f. a list of the opportunities to earn college credits or credits that lead to a workforce certification or license that the applicant will provide to students.
9. Prohibits an applicant from requesting an exemption, waiver or modification of federal law.
10. Instructs SBE, by December 30, 2026, and December 30 annually thereafter, to review, approve and submit the advisory committee's reports to specified individuals.
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Initials CH/JD HB 2838
2/15/2026 Page 0 Education
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