HB 636 -- Persistence to Graduation Fund

Sponsor:  Holsman

This bill creates the Persistence to Graduation Fund in the state
treasury to be administered by the Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education.  The fund, to be supported by at least a $5
million annual appropriation, will provide grants for certain
school districts to reduce the number of dropouts.  Eligible
districts will be those that have not met the indicated
graduation rate on their most recent annual performance review or
those who have been classified or received an annual performance
score consistent with unaccredited or provisionally accredited or
are classified as interim accredited by the State Board of
Education.

The department must give preference to holistic strategies
including collaborative approaches; early intervention; increased
accountability; and starting or expanding core strategies like
mentoring, alternative education, or before- or after-school
programs, among others.

The grants will be from one to five years and may be renewed.  If
a grant is not successful or is being misused, the department may
stop further payments on 30 days' written notice.

The department is required to report annually by January 15 to
the Governor and General Assembly on the grants awarded and
graduation information from the grant recipients.

The provisions of the bill will expire six years from the
effective date.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:25 am