§ 38–2992. Proposed new funding and organizational model for the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

(a) The Chancellor or the Chancellor's DCPS designee shall meet with the DESAP Board of Directors at least once every 4 weeks to discuss a proposed new funding and organizational model for the Duke Ellington School of the Arts ("DESA") until a memorandum of agreement ("MOA") is signed by both parties.

(b) The proposed new funding and organizational model shall address and resolve the following matters:

(1) The conversion of DESAP faculty and staff, other than the DESAP Principal, to DCPS employee status with levels of pay for all such individuals comparable to those of DCPS employees;

(2) The absorption of all of DESA's human resources for DESA employees, staff payroll for DESA employees, and student support functions into the budget of DCPS;

(3) The preservation of, and due regard for, the dual-curriculum nature of DESA, including its arts faculty and staff;

(4) The continuation of DESA's pre-professional arts program at the same or higher level of quality as the current pre-professional arts program; and

(5) The continued role of the DESAP Board of Directors in providing guidance and support for the DESA arts program, including partnerships with third-party organizations and the Ellington Fund.

(c) DCPS shall submit the MOA to the Council no later than 2 weeks after it is signed by DCPS and the DESAP Board of Directors.

(d) DCPS and the DESAP Board of Directors shall independently and promptly present to the Council a report detailing their proposed new DESA funding and organizational model together with a recommendation for Council action should an MOA not be attained by December 31, 2022.

(e) The Chairman of the Council may appoint up to 2 observers to attend the meetings between DCPS and the DESAP Board of Directors.