§6673 School leader recruitment and support

Summary

The Secretary must use funds set aside under section 6671(2) to award competitive grants to groups that will recruit, train, place, support, and keep strong principals and other school leaders in high-need schools. Grants can pay for things like leadership training and residency programs, recruiting and selecting new or current leaders, placing leaders to help schools in improvement, ongoing professional learning, sharing best practices, and other evidence-based activities. Grants may last up to 5 years and can be renewed once for 2 more years. The Secretary should spread grants across urban, suburban, and rural areas and give no more than one grant to the same group in a single competition. Grant winners must provide at least 25% of the project cost from nonfederal sources (cash or fair-valued donations), unless the Secretary waives it for financial hardship. Applicants must apply when and how the Secretary requires. Priority is given to groups with a record of preparing principals who improve student outcomes, become and stay in high-need schools, and use evidence-based strategies. Eligible groups include local school districts (and service agencies), state education agencies, the Bureau of Indian Education, and partnerships with nonprofits or colleges. A high-need elementary school has at least 50% of students in poverty; a high-need secondary school has at least 40%.