HB 2055 - DIGEST

     Finds that when character education is integrated into a school's curriculum, there is a decline of incidences involving violence, bullying, and harassment, an increase in student attendance rates, and an enhancement of student learning opportunities in the positive school climate that results from the programs.

     Declares an intent to support programs that local communities, in partnership with schools or school districts, will design.  However, the legislature intends that each of these education programs include components that help students learn the importance of treating each other and all people with respect and civility.

     Provides that, subject to availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall provide to each school district that develops and implements a character education program that meets the requirements of this act, an equal amount per full-time equivalent student for the biennium ending June 30, 2003.  However, the minimum allocation to a district shall be two hundred dollars for each school operated by the district.

     Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.