HB 16-1440 Summary

• Allows small rural school districts (fewer than 1,200 students) to submit a single combined performance plan every two years instead of annual plans, if all included schools meet authorization requirements.

• Authorizes charter schools and institute boards, in addition to school districts, to submit performance plans every two years while maintaining accredited or accredited with distinction status.

• Requires the state board to ensure its rules and department policies impose the least possible administrative and financial burden on school districts and charter schools, with specific provisions for rural entities.

• Enables boards of cooperative services to apply for early literacy grants on behalf of member small rural school districts and allows rural districts to purchase literacy specialist services through cooperative service arrangements.

• Takes effect August 10, 2016, subject to referendum petition provisions.