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CS/HB 1331 — School Choice
by PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, Rep. Bileca and others (SB 1822 by Senator Benacquisto)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Pre-K - 12 Committee (ED)
The bill revises the eligibility criteria for participation in the Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) public school choice option to allow parents of students in failing schools the opportunity to send their children to another public school that is performing satisfactorily. Under the bill, a failing public school is a school that has received a “D” or an “F” grade and is designated as a low performing school.
A parent would be able to enroll his or her child in a higher performing school in another district with available space. If a parent chooses another district, the receiving district must accept the student and report him or her for funding. The parent is still responsible for transportation.
A student would have the opportunity to continue to attend a higher performing public school feeder pattern within the district until he or she graduates from high school. Under the bill, a student could remain in the feeder pattern of the school chosen under the OSP.
Finally, the bill repeals the provisions related to the OSP private school option to comport with existing case law.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2011.
Vote: Senate 32-4; House 84-30