(A) In each fiscal year the department of education, in accordance with appropriations made by the general assembly, may issue awards of equal amounts up to fifteen thousand dollars to those fifty public schools that are determined by the department to have implemented in the immediately preceding fiscal year innovative and exemplary parental involvement programs that have enhanced parental involvement in such schools according to criteria established by the department.
(B) The department of education shall collect and retain information on the innovative and exemplary parental involvement programs of all schools that have received awards under division (A) of this section. In each fiscal year the department shall publicize to every school district a description of each of the innovative and exemplary parental involvement programs of the schools that have received awards in the immediately preceding fiscal year.
(C) Any school that receives an award under division (A) of this section may expend the money on any lawful purpose.
Effective Date: 06-30-1997.