Chapter 973 Oregon Laws 1999

Session Law

AN ACT

SB 725

Relating to education grants; appropriating money; and declaring an emergency.

Whereas all students in kindergarten through grade 12 must meet high standards of academic achievement in all content areas; and

Whereas Oregon cultural institutions can offer unique resources to schools and school districts in support of high academic standards; and

Whereas with limited school budgets, school districts are using existing community resources to support student achievement in meeting state academic content standards; and

Whereas Oregon's professional arts and humanities communities, arts and cultural institutions and other centers of informal learning contain or present significant educational resources; and

Whereas these communities and institutions are a rich source of knowledge for students in support of all state academic content standards; and

Whereas providing students with access to these resources will raise the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning in Oregon; now, therefore,

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. (1) For the 1999-2001 biennium, subject to the rules of the State Board of Education, the Department of Education shall award grants to school districts for utilization of community arts and cultural resources through partnerships between schools and informal centers of learning.

(2) The grants may be used for:

(a) Residences in classrooms and other school-based learning opportunities;

(b) Live performances;

(c) Teaching materials, books, curriculum guides and other instructional aids;

(d) Teacher workshops, conferences and internships; and

(e) Utilization of the latest technical assistance to learning access, such as distance learning.

(3) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to administer the grant program.

SECTION 2. In addition to and not in lieu of any other appropriation, there is appropriated to the Department of Education, for the biennium beginning July 1, 1999, out of the General Fund, the sum of $200,000, which may be expended for grants to school districts for utilization of community arts and cultural resources under section 1 of this 1999 Act.

SECTION 3. This 1999 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 1999 Act takes effect July 1, 1999.

Approved by the Governor August 17, 1999

Filed in the office of Secretary of State August 18, 1999

Effective date August 17, 1999

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