(a) Subject to available funding, the department of education shall establish the Connie Hall Givens coordinated school health grant program to assist LEAs in implementing a coordinated school health program. In order to qualify for a coordinated school health grant, an LEA shall submit a detailed plan of how the agency currently addresses the health needs of school children, who would serve as school health coordinator, and how the agency would use the state grant to augment what it is currently doing.

(b) The plan shall give priority to school health as a means to assist in meeting the education performance indicators of § 49-1-211(a)(3). The plan shall be developed in accordance with the guidelines for a coordinated school health program developed by the commissioner. In developing the guidelines for the program, the commissioner is requested to consult with appropriate organizations involved in the areas of student health, health care and fitness. The guidelines and any proposed forms for applications shall be offered to the education committee of the senate and the education committee of the house of representatives for review and comment. Copies of local education plans may be offered to the education committee of the senate and the education committee of the house of representatives for informational purposes. The goal of the grant program shall be to help the LEAs establish a bona fide coordinated school health program that improves the overall health and wellness of students.

(c) The annual report on school health to the governor and general assembly required by § 49-5-415(a)(4) [transferred to § 49-50-1602] shall include information on progress toward the goal.