Sec. 1. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

2000-01

EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF

Support Systems

All Other $1,508,600

Provides funds to be distributed to each school administrative unit equivalent to $100 per teacher to restore local teacher certification support teams.

Support Systems

Positions - Legislative Count (1.000)

Personal Services $41,528

All Other 48,375

______

TOTAL $89,903

Provides funds for an additional Education Specialist III position for teacher certification and related operating costs and provides funds to fully automate the processing of teacher certificates.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION __________

TOTAL $1,598,503

SUMMARY

This bill restores structure, money and focus to local teacher certification support teams. The bill also requires increased staffing for the Department of Education's certification office.