Under current law, GS 115C-238.51A sets out the process for reviewing and approving applications to establish Cooperative Innovative High Schools (CIHS).

Amends subsection (b) of GS 115C-238.51A, which applies to CIHS applications that do not request additional funds. Provides that a CIHS approved under this subsection may open at the beginning of the school year following approval or may open after a planning year.

Amends subsection (c) of GS 115C-238.51A, which applies to CIHS applications that request additional funds. Provides that CIHS applications requesting additional funds may be approved contingent upon the appropriation by the General Assembly of (1) the additional funds or (2) funding for a planning year (was, contingent on the appropriation of additional funds). Makes additional changes to this subsection to make its provisions applicable to requests for planning year funding as well as requests for additional funds. Requires a CIHS that receives planning year funding under this subsection to open after a planning year.

Appropriates $750,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction for the 2015-16 fiscal year to be allocated for planning year funding in the amount of $75,000 per approved CIHS.

Effective July 1, 2015.