CS/CS/HB 7037 - School Choice Summary

• Modifies charter school application and approval processes, including requiring applicants to provide monthly financial statements before opening and allowing charter schools to defer opening for up to 2 years.

• Establishes automatic charter termination if a school earns two consecutive "F" grades, with limited exceptions for turnaround schools and schools serving low-income areas.

• Creates the Florida Institute for Charter School Innovation at Florida State University to provide technical assistance, conduct research on charter school best practices, and support teacher preparation programs.

• Repeals section 1002.455 (student eligibility for K-12 virtual instruction), expanding access to virtual charter schools and removing enrollment restrictions while maintaining research-based reading requirements.

• Increases charter school capital outlay funding eligibility and modifies payment calculations, allows charter school surpluses to be used for educational purposes, and provides $2.374 million in appropriations for 2015-2016.