SB 298 Summary

• Establishes new provisions governing internet- and computer-based community schools, including requirements for contract duration (maximum 3 years), attendance policies, and operator oversight standards.

• Modifies school funding formulas for community schools, with special restrictions on funding for internet-based schools to exclude targeted assistance and economically disadvantaged student funds.

• Creates the E-School Funding Commission to study actual costs of operating internet- or computer-based community schools and submit recommendations to the General Assembly by December 31, 2016.

• Implements accountability measures requiring high-performing students in online schools to meet attendance minimums and establishing operator contract criteria including early termination conditions and property ownership stipulations.

• Requires internet- or computer-based schools to comply with online learning standards, limits student participation to 10 hours per 24-hour period, and mandates public meetings be streamed online with advance newspaper notice.