HB456 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur Payne

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Mary Sue McClurkin

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

School of Cyber Technology and Information Technology, established, board, operation of school

Summary

HB456 would create the Alabama School of Cyber Security and Information Technology with its own governance and funding to educate gifted students in cyber security and information technology.

What This Bill Does

It would establish a main campus (with possible branches) for a residential and commuter school focused on cyber security and IT, funded by state appropriations and other sources. It would allow identified talented students to be exempt from up to three Carnegie units of the high school graduation requirements with a contract and parental consent, once approved by the school. It also creates a governing board with broad powers to run the school, issue diplomas and certificates, accept donations, offer online and cross-district courses, provide internships, and enable partnerships with public and private entities.

Who It Affects

• Talented and gifted Alabama high school students who could attend the new school and may be exempted from up to three Carnegie units toward graduation with school approval and a parent/guardian contract.
• Parents or guardians of those students who must consent to the exemption arrangement and support their child's enrollment.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama School of Cyber Security and Information Technology with a main campus and potential branch campuses.
• Funding comes from legislative appropriations plus grants, donations, and other public/private sources.
• Allows eligible students to be exempt from up to three Carnegie units of the state graduation requirements, via a contract with the student and parent/guardian and with school approval; exemption notice filed with the Department of Education.
• Creates a Board of Trustees as the local educational agency, with specific appointment rules and several non-voting members from state and partner entities; terms are four years and initial members serve until 2018.
• Board powers include accepting donations, purchasing/ leasing land and facilities, issuing diplomas and program certificates, entering contracts, hiring an executive director, certifying teachers, appointing an advisory council, allowing cross-district and online/off-state courses, and fostering internships.
• Immunity and indemnity provisions protect the board, staff, students, and IP providers; vendors must provide indemnity and defense in contracts.
• Quorum and voting rules for the board, with provisions for electronic participation and expense reimbursement for members.
• The school may operate on the standard public school year or year-round, offer summer programs, short courses, online courses, extension courses at other campuses, and accept out-of-state students for a fee; extracurricular activities are encouraged.
• The act becomes effective immediately upon the Governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education