Utah Code
Title 53A State System of Public Education
Chapter 15 Standards and Programs
Section 601 Appropriation for program -- Program requirements -- Distribution of funds to school districts.


     53A-15-601.   Appropriation for program -- Program requirements -- Distribution of funds to school districts.
     (1) The Legislature shall provide an annual appropriation from the Uniform School Fund to the State Board of Education for a gang prevention and intervention program designed to help students at risk for gang involvement stay in school, enhance their self-esteem, and improve their intellectual and life skills.
     (2) The program shall:
     (a) provide independent gang prevention and intervention both inside and outside of school grounds when necessary, including:
     (i) meetings with gang members and other students whose activities negatively impact students in the program;
     (ii) intervening in situations involving gangs that impact students in the program or can result in violence;
     (iii) in-home visits with families of students in the program designed to encourage parents to become involved in their child's education; and
     (iv) notifying law enforcement personnel when a particular problem cannot be defused or when required by law; and
     (b) maintaining required individual information including profiles on each student receiving direct services through the program, including:
     (i) attendance records;
     (ii) academic records; and
     (iii) extra-curricular activities.
     (3) The program coordinator at each school shall:
     (a) be on the school grounds during school hours;
     (b) have received training on gang prevention and intervention strategies in the schools;
     (c) have an understanding of the cultural backgrounds of gang members and at-risk students and be aware of the potential for gang involvement in all situations; and
     (d) have a minimum of one year's experience or on-site training in gang related issues inside the schools.
     (4) Individual schools within each school district interested in providing a gang prevention and intervention program shall apply to the school board for funds.
     (5) Individual schools shall be required to provide a percentage of the funding necessary for the program in their school, at least one-half of which must be provided through in-kind services. In-kind services may not include office space and support. Percentage requirements shall be as follows:
     (a) elementary schools, 12%;
     (b) middle, intermediate, or junior high schools, 18%;
     (c) high schools, 25%.
     (6) Individual schools receiving funds may provide the program to their students by contracting with a private entity whose program meets the requirements set out in Subsections (2) and (3).

Amended by Chapter 219, 1997 General Session
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