(a) A formula for the determination of professional units and other operating expenses, based upon eligible students, shall be developed by the State Department of Education. An eligible student under this subsection shall be a person who has not graduated from an accredited high school and who is able to benefit from the instructional programs offered.
The total number of professional units provided shall be the sum total of units necessary for classroom teachers, vocational teachers, librarians, teachers of exceptional students, supervisors, counselors, principals and a director. Any funds provided for such units where such units are not employed shall revert to the Alabama Special Educational Trust Fund.
(b) The qualifications of teachers shall be determined by the State Department of Education and shall be similar to the qualifications of teachers in the regular schools.
(c) The State Department of Education in cooperation with the Board of Corrections shall determine the minimum number of hours a student must be in attendance each week.
(d) The minimum monthly salary rates for classroom teachers and special positions shall be in accordance with the current minimum salary schedule in effect in the regular public schools.
(e) Vocational teachers, counselors, supervisors and special education units shall be provided in addition to classroom teacher units in accordance with the policy of the State Board of Education for the allocation of such units in the regular public schools and in accordance with the ability of the Board of Corrections to provide adequate facilities for such programs and the ability of the students enrolled to benefit from such instruction. The facilities of the technical schools at Atmore and Speigner shall be used to the extent practicable.