Summary:

 Senate Bill 228785 (SB 228785) creates the High School Water Management and Conservation Project, a pilot project. SB 228785 requires the Public Education Department to develop an elective high school course in water management and conservation to be tested in five school districts, which will be awarded assistance grants. SB 228785 allows for collaboration with the Department of Environment, postsecondary education institutions, and counties and municipalities. Annual reporting and a final report required. SB 228785 makes an appropriation.
 

Legislation Overview:

 Senate Bill 228785 (SB 228785) adds a new section of Public School Code to create the High School Water Management Conservation Project (Project). 


SECTION 1 specifies the creation of the Project, administration, collaboration and reporting as follows: 
A. The Project is created as a six-year pilot project administered by the department to study the feasibility and outcomes of offering practical environmental education to high school students. 
B.  The department shall:
- develop academic content, performance standards and a model curriculum for a high school elective course in water management and conservation as specified;
- select at least five school districts to participate in the project as specified.
- award financial assistance grants to participating school districts to be expended as specified.
- collect data regarding student participation in the water management and conservation courses offered; students' performances in the courses taken; and students' post-graduation plans.
C. The department may collaborate with the Department of Environment, state post-secondary educational institutions and counties and municipalities to identify issues to incorporate into the Project. The collaboration may include potential post-graduation employment or pre-employment, apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship or educational opportunities for students. 
D. The department shall provide annual reports and a final report to the Legislative Education Study Committee by the dates specified.

SECTION 2 appropriates $1,250,000 from the General Fund to the department for expenditure in Fiscal Years 2026 through 2031 to administer the Project. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of Fiscal Year 2031 shall revert to the General Fund.