[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.