CS/HB 1061 - Schools of Hope

• Revises the definition of "persistently low-performing school" to apply only to years in which the school received a grade, requiring 3 grades lower than "C" in at least 3 of the previous 5 years and no grade of "B" or higher in the most recent 2 school years.

• Allows nonprofit entities operating schools of hope to be designated as local education agencies by the Department of Education to receive federal funds while accepting full local education agency responsibilities.

• Requires schools of hope personnel to undergo background screening through fingerprinting submitted to the Department of Law Enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with costs potentially reimbursed by the district if it fails to notify the school of eligibility within 14 days.

• Modifies facility reporting requirements by shifting the deadline from January to October 1 for school districts to report underused, vacant, or surplus facilities to the Department of Education at a cost not to exceed $600 per student.

• Extends the period undisbursed funds may be carried forward from 5 years to 7 years and makes schools of hope eligible to receive charter school capital outlay funding under specified conditions; effective July 1, 2021.