15-234. Appropriations for adult education; eligibility; supplemental fees; definition

A. Any appropriation made to the state board of education or department of education for the purposes of adult education may be expended for costs to the department of activities related to adult education including the costs of operating the division of adult education. In addition, any of the monies may be allocated to an adult education provider as provided in subsections B and C of this section.

B. An adult education provider which offers a course of study for adult education under section 15-232 is eligible for allocation of funds pursuant to subsection C of this section from the state board of education if the district or county offering such course meets all applicable standards established under rules of the state board.

C. The state board of education may allocate from its available appropriation for adult education any amount it deems appropriate for the use of an eligible adult education provider to compensate for costs of conducting the course of study of adult education based on an application which shall include a budget and other criteria as established by the state board of education. This application must be approved by the state board of education prior to the commencement of classes or courses of study if the applicant wishes to be compensated. Compensation shall be limited to the approved amount in the application.

D. An adult education provider that offers a course of study for adult education pursuant to section 15-232 may charge supplemental fees to adults who are eligible to participate in the adult education program. Any supplemental fees charged for adult education programs shall be approved by the department of education prior to the imposition of the fees. Adult education providers shall conspicuously post information on the supplemental fee structure and shall provide advance written notice to all program participants of any changes to the approved fee structure at least ninety days prior to taking effect. Any supplemental fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall only be used to support and expand adult education instruction not to supplant existing state and federal funding. The department of corrections shall not charge supplemental fees pursuant to this subsection.

E. For the purposes of this section, " adult education provider" means a school district, community college district, correctional facility or community-based organization, an institution serving educationally disadvantaged adults, or any other institution that receives public funds to provide adult education services.