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 online, 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 22 members with three appointed by the Governor, three appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, three appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, two appointed by the President of The University of North Carolina, two appointed by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, two appointed by the Chairman of the State Board of Education, two appointed by the President of the North Carolina Community College System, two appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, two appointed by the President of the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, and the State Chief Information Officer or that Officer's designee."
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 staff and operating expenses of NCVirtual, which is established under subsection (a) of this section.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2006.