RSA 188-E:5-a: Berlin Cosmetology Program Task Force.

I. There is established a Berlin cosmetology program task force.

II. The members of the task force shall be as follows:

(a) A representative from the department of education, appointed by the commissioner of the department of education, who shall serve as chair of the task force.

(b) A representative of White Mountain Community College.

(c) A representative of the chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire (CCSNH).

(d) The superintendent of school administrative unit 3, or designee.

(e) The director of the Berlin Regional Career and Technical Center.

(f) A cosmetology teacher from a career and technical education center that offers a full program, appointed by the commissioner of the department of education.

III. The task force shall report on the feasibility of the creation of cosmetology-related programming in northern New Hampshire, such as the potential of establishing a cosmetology program jointly housed and staffed by White Mountain Community College and the Berlin Regional Career and Technical Center, including but not limited to:

(a) Needs and opportunities in cosmetology education and employment in the north country;

(b) Staffing, space, and funding needs for a program leading to licensing of graduates;

(c) Co-location and joint staffing opportunities for a program with CCSNH and Berlin Career and Technical Center, dual and concurrent enrollment opportunities, and the feasibility of serving students from other high schools;

(d) Consideration of inclusion of a salon facility serving the public;

(e) Sources of funding for construction, renovation, and equipment; and

(f) Feasibility of establishing a program by September 1, 2027.

IV. The task force shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the governor, chancellor of CCSNH, commissioner of education, Berlin school board, speaker of the house of representatives, president of the senate, the chairs of committees whose responsibilities include education and workforce training, and the state library, on or before June 1, 2027.

V. The department of education may devote Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act funding to any costs associated with the study.