SB 14-167 Summary

• Creates the Opportunity Schools Pilot Initiative within the Department of Education to support alternative education campuses serving high-risk students ages 16-21 with research-based, transformative school models focused on postsecondary and workforce success.

• Selects 2 cohorts of 3 or more alternative education campuses (serving no more than 600 total students) beginning in 2015-16 and 2016-17 school years; eligible schools must serve at least 95% high-risk students and implement models with at least 2 of 3 core elements: college/career instruction, skills-building programs, or first-year postsecondary supports.

• Provides each opportunity school additional funding equal to 30% of statewide average per-pupil revenues multiplied by the school's enrollment, paid from a newly created Opportunity Schools Pilot Initiative Fund with an initial appropriation of $2,116,437.

• Requires opportunity schools to meet existing alternative education campus accountability standards plus propose additional performance measures; establishes annual data collection on support services and regular performance reviews with authority to reduce funding if adequate progress is not demonstrated after 2 years.

• Mandates independent evaluation of the initiative in year 3 and every 3 years thereafter, with reports to legislative education committees to inform decisions on continued funding.