(a)      In this section, "noncollegiate educational institution" means a school or other institution that offers an educational program but is not an institution of postsecondary education, as defined in § 10-101 of this article.

      (b)      (1)      Before a private noncollegiate educational institution that operates in this State ends operations, including those operated by bona fide church organizations, the chief administrative officer of the institution shall file with the State Superintendent the original or a legible copy of all essential records of the academic achievements of each former student of the institution who received instruction in any combination of grades 9 through 12 or their equivalents.

            (2)      These records shall be prepared to present as a separate document the academic record of each former student and the academic information that customarily is required by postsecondary educational institutions when considering a student for admission.

      (c)      The State Superintendent shall keep a permanent file of these records.

      (d)      Any person who willfully fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 for each violation.