[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 276 Engrossed in House (EH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 276
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To direct the Secretary of Education to establish the Recognizing
Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award Program recognizing excellence
exhibited by classified school employees providing services to students
in prekindergarten through high school.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Recognizing Achievement in
Classified School Employees Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Classified school employees provide valuable service in
the United States.
(2) Classified school employees provide essential services,
such as transportation, facilities maintenance and operations,
food service, safety, and health care.
(3) Classified school employees play a vital role in
providing for the welfare and safety of students.
(4) Classified school employees strive for excellence in
all areas of service to the education community.
(5) Exemplary classified school employees should be
recognized for their outstanding contributions to quality
education in the United States.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Classified school employee.--The term ``classified
school employee'' means an employee of a State or of any
political subdivision of a State, or an employee of a nonprofit
entity, who works in any grade from prekindergarten through
high school in any of the following occupational specialties:
(A) Paraprofessional, including paraeducator
services.
(B) Clerical and administrative services.
(C) Transportation services.
(D) Food and nutrition services.
(E) Custodial and maintenance services.
(F) Security services.
(G) Health and student services.
(H) Technical services.
(I) Skilled trades.
(2) Other definitions.--The terms used in this Act have the
meanings given the terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
SEC. 4. RECOGNITION PROGRAM ESTABLISHED.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Education shall establish a
national recognition program to be known as the ``Recognizing Inspiring
School Employees Award Program'' or the ``award program''. The purpose
of the award program shall be to recognize and promote the commitment
and excellence exhibited by classified school employees who provide
exemplary service to students in prekindergarten through high school.
(b) Award.--
(1) In general.--Prior to May 31 of each year (beginning
with the second calendar year that begins after the date of the
enactment of this Act), the Secretary shall select a classified
school employee to receive the Recognizing Inspiring School
Employees Award for the year.
(2) Non-monetary value.--The award and recognition provided
under this Act shall have no monetary value.
(c) Selection Process.--
(1) Nomination process.--
(A) In general.--Not later than November 1 of each
year (beginning with the first calendar year that
begins after the date of the enactment of this Act),
the Secretary shall solicit nominations of classified
school employees from the occupational specialties
described in section 3(1) from the Governor of each
State.
(B) Nomination submissions.--In order for
individuals in a State to be eligible to receive
recognition under this section, the Governor of the
State shall consider nominations submitted by the
following:
(i) Local educational agencies.
(ii) School administrators.
(iii) Professional associations.
(iv) Labor organizations.
(v) Educational service agencies.
(vi) Nonprofit entities.
(vii) Parents and students.
(viii) Any other group determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
(2) Demonstration.--Each Governor of a State who desires
individuals in the State to receive recognition under this
section shall submit the nominations described in paragraph (1)
to the Secretary in such manner as may be required by the
Secretary. Each such nomination shall contain, at a minimum,
demonstrations of excellence in the following areas:
(A) Work performance.
(B) School and community involvement.
(C) Leadership and commitment.
(D) Local support.
(E) Enhancement of classified school employees'
image in the community and schools.
(3) Selection.--The Secretary shall develop uniform
national guidelines for evaluating nominations submitted under
paragraph (2) in order to select the most deserving nominees
based on the demonstrations made in the areas described in such
paragraph.
Passed the House of Representatives February 25, 2019.
Attest:
Clerk.
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 276
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To direct the Secretary of Education to establish the Recognizing
Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award Program recognizing excellence
exhibited by classified school employees providing services to students
in prekindergarten through high school.