The Florida Senate

1009.605  Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc.--

(1)  There is created the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc., which is a not-for-profit statutory corporation housed in the College of Education at the University of Florida. The corporation shall administer and manage the minority teacher education scholars program.

(2)  The corporation shall submit an annual budget projection to the Department of Education to be included in the annual legislative budget request. The projection must be based on a 7-year plan that would be capable of awarding the following schedule of scholarships:

(a)  In the initial year, 700 scholarships of $4,000 each to scholars in the junior year of college.

(b)  In the second year, 350 scholarships to new scholars in their junior year and 700 renewal scholarships to the rising seniors.

(c)  In each succeeding year, 350 scholarships to new scholars in the junior year and renewal scholarships to the 350 rising seniors.

(3)  A board of directors shall administer the corporation. The Governor shall appoint to the board at least 15 but not more than 25 members, who shall serve terms of 3 years, except that 4 of the initial members shall serve 1-year terms and 4 shall serve 2-year terms. At least 4 members must be employed by public community colleges and at least 11 members must be employed by public or private postsecondary institutions that operate colleges of education. At least one member must be a financial aid officer employed by a postsecondary education institution operating in Florida. Administrative costs for support of the Board of Directors and the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers may not exceed 5 percent of funds allocated for the program. The board shall:

(a)  Hold meetings to implement this section.

(b)  Select a chairperson annually.

(c)  Make rules for its own government.

(d)  Appoint an executive director to serve at its pleasure. The executive director shall be the chief administrative officer and agent of the board.

(e)  Maintain a record of its proceedings.

(f)  Delegate to the chairperson the responsibility for signing final orders.

(g)  Carry out the training program as required for the minority teacher education scholars program. No more than 5 percent of the funds appropriated for the minority teacher education scholars program may be expended for administration, including administration of the required training program.

History.--s. 439, ch. 2002-387.