(A) As used in this section, "adult high school continuation programs" means an organized instructional program for persons sixteen years of age and older, except as provided in division (C) of this section, who are not otherwise enrolled in a high school for which the state board of education sets standards pursuant to section 3301.07 of the Revised Code. Such programs are limited to courses for which credit may be granted toward the issuance of a high school diploma.

(B) The board of education of any school district may establish and operate an adult high school continuation program. Two or more boards of education may jointly establish and operate such a program. The resolution establishing an adult high school continuation program may specify the contribution and expenditure of funds, the use of buildings, equipment, and other school facilities, and such other matters as the board wishes to include. In the case of a jointly operated program, the resolutions establishing such program shall also designate one of the participating boards to be responsible for receiving and disbursing funds, and administering the program for the benefit of all participating boards of education.

(C) A board of education that operates an adult high school continuation program alone or jointly with another board may, by resolution, authorize the district's superintendent to assign to such program in accordance with this section, any student who has not received a high school diploma, who is at least eighteen years old, and who is being readmitted to school following expulsion or commitment to the department of youth services. Before making any such assignment, the superintendent or his designee shall meet with the student to determine whether he should be so assigned, and shall prepare a report on his findings and determination. If based on his meeting or his designee's report the superintendent finds that the pupil should be placed in a program under this section, the superintendent shall make the assignment. Once assigned to the program, the student shall remain in it until he is reassigned by the superintendent or leaves school. At least once in each academic term, the superintendent or his designee shall review the progress of each student assigned to the program under this division and the superintendent shall, based on the review, make a determination of whether the student should remain in the program or be reassigned. Tuition shall not be charged for the attendance of any student assigned to a program pursuant to this division who is entitled under section 3313.64 of the Revised Code to attend the schools of the district without payment of tuition.

(D) The state board of education shall adopt rules and standards governing the operations of adult high school continuation programs. Any school district or combination of districts operating such a program in accordance with the rules and standards of the state board of education may receive from the state board of education, with the approval of the superintendent of public instruction, reimbursement in an amount not to exceed ten dollars per instructional hour.

Effective Date: 07-01-1989.