NC S461

Establishes a Board of Governors' Subcommittee on Laboratory Schools to oversee the establishment and operation of at least nine laboratory schools operated by UNC constituent institutions with educator preparation programs.

Transfers governance authority from individual boards of trustees to chancellors of constituent institutions, with chancellors serving as administrative heads and establishing advisory boards for guidance.

Modifies student eligibility to include both students enrolled in low-performing schools and students who did not meet expected growth in the prior school year, with enrollment on first-come, first-served basis up to program capacity.

Allows the Subcommittee to waive the requirement that laboratory schools be located in school districts with 25% or more low-performing schools for up to three schools, if jointly proposed by a chancellor and local school administrative unit.

Requires at least nine laboratory schools to be in operation by the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, with the Subcommittee responsible for reviewing proposals, approving locations, and submitting annual performance reports to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.