CS/HB 7095 - School Choice Summary

• Requires district school boards to report the number and percentage of applications for controlled open enrollment, and annually report on students applying for and exercising public school choice by type.

• Modifies charter school application deadlines and reporting requirements; changes sponsor annual report submission deadline from November 1 to August 31 and department posting deadline from January 15 to November 1.

• Defines "Florida Opportunity Zone" as a Qualified Opportunity Zone and authorizes hope operators to establish schools of hope in districts with persistently low-performing schools or in Florida Opportunity Zones.

• Increases Schools of Hope Program awards to traditional public schools from $500 to $2,000 per full-time equivalent student and reduces the number of schools receiving awards from 75 to 25, with awards prioritized for whole school transformation plans.

• Creates the Center for Community Schools at the University of Central Florida to provide technical assistance and grants for community school models that partner schools with community organizations, colleges, and healthcare providers; requires public reporting on participating organizations and grant awards.