CS for SB 1852 - Charter Schools

• Clarifies that sponsor policies and previous school board decisions do not apply to charter schools unless mutually agreed upon, and prohibits sponsors from imposing additional reporting requirements beyond those in statute without written justification.

• Limits Florida College System institutions with approved teacher preparation programs to operating no more than one K-12 charter school per school district.

• Authorizes charter schools and sponsors to file formal grievances with the Department of Education and request mediation, with charter closing activities halted during the mediation process unless the charter is terminated under specific circumstances.

• Allows district school boards to share capital outlay millage levy revenue with charter schools on a per-student, pro rata basis, with recalculation of Florida Education Finance Program allocations if revenue is not shared, and requires payment of federal funds to charter schools within 60 days of district receipt.

• Expands high-performing charter school authorities to allow increase of up to three charter schools statewide annually (rather than one), and authorizes high-performing charter school systems to increase enrollment by 15 percent annually, expand grade levels, consolidate charters, and receive 15-year charter terms.