(A) The agricultural and natural resources instructional program may use part-time or full-time faculty members who hold advanced degrees or extensive professional experience in the agricultural and natural resources industry and whose professional expertise can be demonstrated by their training and accomplishments as recognized by state or national organizations and affiliations. As an alternative to traditional certification, these faculty members shall participate annually in professional development programs approved by the president and the board of trustees. Pursuant to this chapter, the board of trustees shall adopt policies and regulations governing development of the agricultural and natural resources instructional program.

(B) The academic program must be comprised of faculty who hold one or more degrees in the specific subject to be taught and who must have achieved traditional state certification in the area of instruction. Teacher certification must be maintained pursuant to state law and regulations.

(C) The president and the board will determine the salary scale of teachers and administrators of the school, not to exceed the highest salaries of any public school district in the State for those designated positions.