The Secretary of Education shall establish a national recognition program to be known as the “Recognizing Inspiring School Employees Award Program” or the “award program”. The purpose of the award program shall be to recognize and promote the commitment and excellence exhibited by classified school employees who provide exemplary service to students in prekindergarten through high school.
Prior to May 31 of each year (beginning with the second calendar year that begins after April 12, 2019), the Secretary shall select a classified school employee to receive the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees Award for the year.
Not later than November 1 of each year (beginning with the first calendar year that begins after April 12, 2019), the Secretary shall solicit nominations of classified school employees from the occupational specialties described in section 6682(1) of this title from the Governor of each State.
The Secretary shall develop uniform national guidelines for evaluating nominations submitted under paragraph (2) in order to select the most deserving nominees based on the demonstrations made in the areas described in such paragraph.