CS/CS/CS/HB 875 - Education Fiscal Accountability

• Defines "operating expenditures" as school district general and special revenue funds and "return-on-investment rating" (ROI rating) as a calculation showing how effectively schools and districts use financial resources to improve student performance.

• Requires the Commissioner of Education to establish a ROI rating system by February 28, 2015, assign ordinal ratings to schools and districts, and publish ratings on the Department of Education website beginning in the 2015-2016 school year.

• Creates the Schoolhouse Funding Pilot Program allowing district school boards to select up to 15 middle schools and 15 high schools to participate, with participating principals required to complete professional development focused on leadership practices linked to student achievement.

• Provides pilot schools with per-pupil funding based on Florida Education Finance Program allocations, requires school districts to provide administrative services with up to 5 percent administrative fees, and mandates timely federal fund reimbursement within 5 months of program enrollment.

• Establishes requirements for pilot school employees including background screening, certification for teachers, employment history checks, and adoption of ethical conduct policies; prohibits confidentiality agreements that conceal misconduct affecting student welfare.