HB 4327 Summary

• Adds new enrollment priority provisions allowing public school academies, urban high school academies, and schools of excellence to prioritize pupils residing within specified geographic boundaries who meet income eligibility criteria for free or reduced-price meals, provided at least 50% of public school pupils in that area qualify for such meals and the school board adopts a resolution approving this preference.

• Maintains existing prohibitions on tuition charges and discrimination based on ability, achievement, disability status, or other illegal bases, while permitting limitations based on age/grade level and specified enrollment priorities.

• Allows academies to operate the same grade configuration at multiple sites if operating in compliance with contracts and making measurable progress toward educational goals, or if new applicants demonstrate their educational model has proven successful.

• Requires schools of excellence to work toward operating all grades 9-12 within 6 years of beginning operations unless a matriculation agreement exists with another school providing those grades; requires cyber schools authorized by school districts to prioritize resident pupils.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment.