(a) The commissioner of education, in consultation with the department of health and in accordance with its duties under title 68, chapter 1, part 12, shall develop guidelines based on the federal centers for disease control and prevention model for the implementation of a coordinated school health program. It is the intent that these guidelines serve as a model for LEAs in addressing the health needs of their students and improving student opportunities for academic achievement. Components of a coordinated school health program shall include, but not be limited to, health services, health education, school nutrition services, physical education, healthy school environment, school counseling, school psychological and social services, staff health and wellness, and family and community involvement to enhance student health. In formulating this program, the commissioner shall consider existing local school/local health departments and community collaborations to promote and support student health and wellness, as well as other state and local programs and initiatives in this area.

(a) Subject to available funding, the department of education shall establish the Connie Hall Givens coordinated school health grant program to assist LEAs in implementing a coordinated school health program. In order to qualify for a coordinated school health grant, an LEA shall submit a detailed plan of how the agency currently addresses the health needs of school children, who would serve as school health coordinator, and how the agency would use the state grant to augment what it is currently doing.

(b) The plan shall give priority to school health as a means to assist in meeting the education performance indicators of § 49-1-211(a)(3). The plan shall be developed in accordance with the guidelines for a coordinated school health program developed by the commissioner. In developing the guidelines for the program, the commissioner is requested to consult with appropriate organizations involved in the areas of student health, health care and fitness. The guidelines and any proposed forms for applications shall be offered to the education committee of the senate and the education committee of the house of representatives for review and comment. Copies of local education plans may be offered to the education committee of the senate and the education committee of the house of representatives for informational purposes. The goal of the grant program shall be to help the LEAs establish a bona fide coordinated school health program that improves the overall health and wellness of students.

(c) The annual report on school health to the governor and general assembly required by § 49-5 415(a)(4) shall include information on progress toward the goal.

(a) Each LEA is authorized to implement a coordinated school health program under the guidelines developed by the commissioner of education, in consultation with the department of health, pursuant to § 49-1-1002, during the 2006-2007 school year, and shall implement the program by the 2007-2008 school year.

(b) To assist with the implementation and support of coordinated school health programs, there are created in the department of education the positions of school health coordinator and specialist in physical education. The school health coordinator shall coordinate and oversee the implementation of coordinated school health programs in LEAs, provide continuing support for coordinated school health programs and perform other duties that may be assigned by the commissioner. The specialist in physical education shall serve as a resource and support person for any LEA with regard to implementation of physical education programs, provide information to LEAs relating to physical education and relating to professional development for physical education instructors and perform other duties that may be assigned by the commissioner.