FL S0952

Creates the Charter School District Pilot Program allowing up to six district school boards to operate as charter school districts with increased principal autonomy in exchange for meeting performance goals.

Charter school districts must identify three middle or high schools whose principals receive fiscal and administrative autonomy, and propose performance goals for student achievement over a 3-year charter period.

Exempts participating schools from most Florida education laws (chapters 1000-1013) except those governing student assessment, special education services, civil rights, health and safety, class sizes, personnel evaluation, and educational facilities.

Requires principals of participating schools to complete the William Cecil Golden Professional Development Program covering instructional personnel management, school budgeting, financial management, and best practices for budgetary and staffing flexibility.

Mandates that district school boards allocate at least 90 percent of funds generated by participating schools (compared to 80 percent for regular schools) and requires annual reporting to the State Board of Education on program implementation.