Authority: School Improvement: § 22.1-253.13:1 et seq., Code of Virginia; P. L. 107-110, Federal Code.

School Nutrition: §§ 22.1-24, 22.1-89.1, and 22.1-207.3, Code of Virginia; P.L. 79-396, P.L. 89-642, P.L. 108-265, Federal Code.

Pupil Transportation: Title 22.1, Chapter 12, and Title 46.2, Code of Virginia; P. L. 103-272 and P.L. 109-20, Federal Code.

A. Out of this appropriation, $274,573 the first year and $274,573 the second year from the general fund is designated to support the Partnership for Achieving Successful Schools initiative.

B. This appropriation includes $790,503 from the general fund and $200,000 from federal funds the first year and $790,503 from the general fund and $200,000 from federal funds the second year for contractual services related to assisting schools that do not meet the Standards of Accreditation as prescribed by the Board of Education.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.2-1502.1, Code of Virginia, the Board of Education, in cooperation with the Department of Planning and Budget, is authorized to invite a school division to participate in the school efficiency review program described in § 2.2-1502.1, Code of Virginia, as a component of a division level academic review pursuant to § 22.1-253.13:3, Code of Virginia. Commencing in fiscal year 2006, when a school division elects to undergo a school efficiency review pursuant to this provision, the school division shall not be charged the 25 percent for the costs of such review.  However, a school division shall pay a separate 25 percent of the total costs of such review if the school division's superintendent or superintendent's designee has not certified that at least half of the recommendations have been initiated within 24 months after the completion of the review.