A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to APPROPRIATE FUNDS for virtual learning.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) in recurring funds for the 2006‑2007 fiscal year to implement the North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS), which was established as a pilot program in 2005, on a statewide basis.  These funds shall be used for purposes including, but not limited to staff and operate NCVPS, develop online courses, employ teachers to teach on‑line, provide staff development and expand course offerings.
SECTION 2.(a)  Chapter 116C of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 116C‑5.  Establishment of NCVirtual.
(a)	The Education Cabinet shall establish an advisory body called NCVirtual to advise the Education Cabinet on the coordination of resources for virtual and e‑learning across prekindergarten through grade 12 in the public schools, public and private colleges and universities, and community colleges. NCVirtual shall assist the Education Cabinet with the facilitation, coordination, and development of e‑learning standards and opportunities for all North Carolina citizens.
(b)	NCVirtual shall consist of 24 members with two appointed by the Governor, two appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, two appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and one appointed by each member of the Education Cabinet."
SECTION 2.(b)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Office of the Governor the sum of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) in recurring funds for the 2006‑2007 fiscal year for the operating expenses of NCVirtual, which is established under subsection (a) of this section.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2006.