PCB-CIS 16-01 School Choice
This is a rework of prior bills to create the Florida Charter School Institute which is designed to reduce local district charter authorizing authority. In addition, it creates a high impact charter district and changes charter board requirements. This is a bill that revives state vs. district control concern over charter school authorization.
- Deletes parent representative and two meeting requirement in the district but specifies board or staff member or other person to facilitate communication with parents. Rep must live in the district/one for each school. Board members not required to live in district.
- Grants role to Florida Institute for Innovation at FSU. Gives option for high performing charter schools to expand into zones of schools with F grades or 3 years of D grades. Charters in these areas no longer have to achieve high performing status. In addition, the Institute will:
a. provide technical support for charter school applications
b. conduct research on voluntary charter closures
c. research on best practices
d. partner with teacher training institutions to recruit for schools of choice
e. evaluate charter school proposals.
- High Impact charter networks could be created in critical needs areas are eligible to receive capital outlay and given priority to Departments Charter School Grant program school grades may not be considered
- Professional development certification changes: Public school districts must, and public, private, and charter schools may develop a system of professional preparation and education competence. For public schools must be aligned with district or state supported public schools’ evaluation system.
- Redefined full time equivalent definitions for online instruction