A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds for communities in schools of north carolina, inc., programs and services and for two performance learning centers.
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 one million dollars ($1,000,000) for the 2008‑2009 fiscal year in recurring funds to support and expand the programs and services of Communities in Schools of North Carolina, Inc., a public and private partnership that addresses the multiple needs of students at the greatest risk of dropping out of schools.  Communities in Schools of North Carolina, Inc., shall use the funds to leverage federal and private grants to support local Communities in Schools programs throughout the State.
SECTION 2.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to Communities in Schools of North Carolina, Inc., the sum of seven hundred fifty‑six thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($756,250) for the 2008‑2009 fiscal year in nonrecurring funds to open a minimum of two additional performance learning centers across North Carolina over the next three years.  This represents a dollar‑for‑dollar match to the performance learning center grant provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to Communities in Schools of North Carolina, Inc., which is providing for the establishment of five performance learning centers across North Carolina.
SECTION 3.  The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee shall study Communities in Schools of North Carolina, Inc.'s proposal to place no fewer than 100 graduation coaches in either middle or high schools in school systems selected by Communities in Schools of North Carolina, Inc., beginning with the 2009‑2010 school year. The Committee shall report its recommendation on this issue to the 2009 General Assembly no later than February 15, 2009.
SECTION 4.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2008.