CS for SB 1282 - Charter Schools

• Requires sponsor policies agreed to with charter schools to be incorporated into charter contracts and protects schools from retroactive policy changes.

• Authorizes Florida College System institutions operating approved teacher preparation programs to operate one charter school serving kindergarten through grade 12.

• Reduces charter application deadline from 60 days to October 1, shortens negotiation period from 75 to 40 days after sponsor provides initial proposed contract, and requires use of standard charter contracts and evaluation instruments.

• Establishes that student academic achievement for all students must be the most important factor in charter renewal or termination decisions and restricts expenditures to $35,000 upon notification of nonrenewal or termination.

• Requires annual commissioner review of high-performing charter school and charter school system eligibility status with authority to declassify schools that no longer meet criteria.