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.
Prior to May 31 of each year (beginning with the second calendar year that begins after April 12, 2019), the Secretary shall select a classified school employee to receive the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees Award for the year.
The award and recognition provided under this subpart shall have no monetary value.
Not later than November 1 of each year (beginning with the first calendar year that begins after April 12, 2019), the Secretary shall solicit nominations of classified school employees from the occupational specialties described in section 6682(1) of this title from the Governor of each State.
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:
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:
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.
20 U.S.C. § 6683
EDITORIAL NOTES
CODIFICATIONSection was enacted as part of the Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act, and not as part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 which comprises this chapter.
- Secretary
- The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Education.
- State
- The term "State" means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and each of the outlying areas.
- high school
- The term "high school" means a secondary school that-(A) grants a diploma, as defined by the State; and(B) includes, at least, grade 12.