Section Ed 306.29 - Alternative Approval(a) In order to meet the provisions of these rules and encourage innovation to achieve high standards for students, a local school board may request approval of an alternative method of compliance with the relevant rule or rules.(b) To apply for alternative approval, the local school board shall submit a written request to the commissioner of education that includes: (1) The name(s) of school(s)/district;(3) The contact person and telephone number;(4) The grades covered by the request;(5) The number of students affected;(6) Identification of the rule(s) for which the alternative plan is being submitted;(7) The local school board chairperson's signature;(8) A clear and concise written justification of the request; and(9) A plan which describes the alternative and consists of a statement of intent, method of implementation, evaluation procedures, timetable for development and implementation, and an explanation of how the alternative is consistent with the statement(s) of philosophy, goals, and objectives adopted pursuant to Ed 306.05.(c) The commissioner shall grant approval of the alternative for that period of time consistent with the school(s) approval designation, issued pursuant to Ed 306.28, if the request meets the following criteria: (1) The information provided is thorough and complete;(2) The school district has demonstrated that it is able to implement the alternative; and(3) The alternative is educationally sound and is consistent with the intent of the rule(s).(d) The commissioner shall notify the local school board chairperson and the superintendent in writing of the decision.(e) If the commissioner denies the request, the chairperson of the local school board or designee may appeal the decision and request a state board hearing. The appeal shall be filed in writing with the office of legislation and hearings within 20 days of the receipt of the decision and shall specify the basis for the appeal. The office of legislation and hearings shall schedule a hearing on the appeal in accordance with timelines and procedures established in Ed 200.(f) Pursuant to RSA 21-N:11, III, any person directly affected by said decision may request a state board hearing. A request for a hearing shall be filed in writing with the office of legislation and hearings within 20 days of the decision and shall specify the basis for such hearing. The office of legislation and hearings shall schedule the hearing in accordance with timelines and procedures established in Ed 200.N.H. Admin. Code § Ed 306.29
Amended by Volume XXXIV Number 16, Filed April 17, 2014, Proposed by #10556, Effective 3/27/2014, Expires3/27/2024.The amended version of this section by New Hampshire Register Volume 35, Number 27, eff.6/29/2015 is not yet available.
The amended version of this section by New Hampshire Register Volume 36, Number 06, eff.1/8/2016 is not yet available.