(a)

(1) The Career Education and Workforce Development Board shall develop and monitor a state plan for vocational-technical education, which shall include at least the establishment of one (1) area vocational center in each education service cooperative service area and in Pulaski County.

(2) All policy issues affecting the public schools will be developed by the Career Education and Workforce Development Board after consultation with the State Board of Education and implemented in coordination with the Department of Education or the education service cooperatives, or both.

(b)

(1) The Career Education and Workforce Development Board shall have general supervision of all programs regarding vocational, technical, and occupational education.

(2) All of those programs and the funding of those programs shall be subject to the approval of the Career Education and Workforce Development Board.

(c) (1) The responsibilities of the Career Education and Workforce Development Board shall include all vocational, technical, and occupational education, including without limitation the following:

(A) Establishing policies relating to plans and specifications for facilities and instructional equipment;

(B) Prescribing standardized standards for programs and teachers;

(C) Approving applied courses of related academic instruction; and

(D) Other items relative to program quality and operation.

(2) The Career Education and Workforce Development Board shall:

(A) Administer the career education and workforce development programs administered by the Career Education and Workforce Development Board;

(B) Adopt rules to administer the Career Education and Workforce Development Board and the programs developed by the Career Education and Workforce Development Board, including the creation and election of officers subsequent to the initial chair;

(C) Create a comprehensive statewide program of career education and workforce development focused on educational opportunities and retention with the goal of economic development;

(D) Coordinate programs and curricula for career education and workforce development;

(E) Review and approve program designs for career education and workforce development;

(F) Review and approve curricula design for career education and workforce development;

(G) Promote career education and workforce development programs and curricula statewide; and

(H) Oversee the Office of Skills Development.

(3)

(A) The Career Education and Workforce Development Board may reorganize and restructure current programs and personnel in the institutions covered in this section.

(B) Any savings of appropriated funds effected by the reorganization and restructuring may be used by the Career Education and Workforce Development Board for other programs as it deems appropriate.