Senate Bill 2571 Summary

• Increases minimum school day length from 5 hours to 5.5 hours of actual teaching time for public schools.

• Changes student age determination date for compulsory school attendance and enrollment from September 1 to August 1 for kindergarten and first grade eligibility.

• Requires school districts to submit annual alternative school program reports to the State Department of Education by July 31, with financial penalties assessed for districts that fail to file.

• Allows digital storage of student permanent records in addition to physical fire-resistant containers.

• Permits schools with "A" or "B" accountability ratings to continue extracurricular and athletic participation even if accreditation is withdrawn for non-academic reasons.