HB 5105 Summary

• Requires only schools with a grade of "D" or "F" to submit school improvement plans, and revises the criteria for when plans must address achievement gaps and graduation rates.

• Modifies early warning system requirements for grades 6-8 to include specific indicators (attendance, suspensions, course failure, standardized test scores) and authorizes school psychologists as team members.

• Redefines "educational emergency" as when one or more schools in a district have a grade of "D" or "F," requiring district school boards to negotiate contract provisions to free these schools from restrictions.

• Creates "Schools of Hope" program allowing designated nonprofit charter operators to establish schools in areas with persistently low-performing schools, with performance-based agreements and exemptions from standard school policies.

• Establishes Schools of Hope Revolving Loan Program to provide up to 25% of project costs for construction and startup expenses, with loans available to designated hope operators serving students from low-performing school areas.