Senate Bill 286 Summary

• Establishes the "Community Learning Act" allowing public schools and charter schools to become community learning centers that provide comprehensive educational, developmental, family, and health services during school hours and after-school hours in partnership with community organizations.

• Schools qualify for the program if they are listed as needing improvement under federal law, rank in the lowest 15% of secondary schools statewide, have a 60% or lower graduation rate for three consecutive years, are identified as persistently low performing, or are voluntarily approved by the school board.

• Requires public information hearings (at least 45 days advance notice), paper ballot elections with specific voter thresholds (50% parent participation with 67% approval and 50% teacher participation with 67% approval), and annual follow-up hearings to establish community learning centers beginning with the 2015-2016 school year.

• Mandates creation of 12-member school action teams (7 parents/community members and 5 teachers/staff elected by peers) to conduct performance audits, develop improvement plans, and monitor school progress; members serve three-year terms without compensation and have resource coordinator support.

• Requires the State Board of Education to develop intervention recommendations, publish programs and services menus, and provide training and financial support; act takes effect July 1, 2015.