CS/CS/CS/HB 903 - Charter Schools (2012)

• Florida College System institutions operating approved teacher preparation programs may operate one charter school serving kindergarten through grade 12, including an associate degree option upon high school graduation.

• Charter schools must maintain an Internet website displaying information about the school, personnel, programs, and any entity that owns, operates, or manages the school, including governing officers and fees paid to the entity.

• High-performing charter school application denials do not trigger Charter School Appeal Commission review; denials are appealed directly to the State Board of Education using stricter standards requiring clear and convincing evidence of noncompliance.

• Charter schools serving 90 percent or more students with disabilities and meeting specified accreditation and performance standards may increase enrollment by up to 15 percent annually, add grade levels, submit quarterly financial statements, consolidate charters, and receive 15-year charter renewals.

• Commissioner of Education must annually review high-performing charter schools and systems to verify continued eligibility, with declassification if criteria are no longer met; federal funding including Title I and IDEA must be reimbursed to charter schools on a monthly basis.