    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Public Law 116-13
    116th Congress

    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.

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    (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

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    based on the demonstrations made in the areas described in such
    paragraph.

    Approved April 12, 2019.

    LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 276:
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    CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 165 (2019):
    Feb. 25, considered and passed House.
    Mar. 28, considered and passed Senate.