As used in this chapter:

(1) "Applicants" shall mean common school districts and educational service districts.

(2) "In-service training" shall mean a cooperatively planned program of training for job-related activities designed to increase the competencies of common school certificated and classified employees in the performance of their assigned responsibilities.

(3) "Needs assessment" shall mean a systematic study to determine strengths and weaknesses of certificated and classified personnel related to the educational needs of the community and students to be served.

(4) "Funds" shall mean those funds appropriated by the legislature and available for the conduct and evaluation of in-service training programs.