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CS/CS/CS/HB 287 — Principal Autonomy Pilot Program Initiative
by Education Committee; Education Appropriations Subcommittee; K-12 Subcommittee; and Reps., Diaz, M., Sprowls, and others (CS/CS/SB 434 by Appropriations Committee; Education Pre-K – 12 Committee; and Senators Garcia and Gaetz)
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 establishes the Principal Autonomy Pilot Program Initiative (PAPPI) within the Department of Education (DOE) to provide a highly effective principal of a participating school with increased autonomy and authority to operate his or her school in a way that produces significant improvements in student achievement and school management. The State Board of Education (SBE) may enter into a performance contract with up to seven district school boards for participation in the pilot program. Participation is voluntary, but limited to the school district boards of Broward, Duval, Jefferson, Madison, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Seminole Counties. Schools selected for participation in PAPPI are exempt from chapters 1000-1013, F.S., of the K-20 Education Code and related SBE rules, with exceptions.
Specifically, the bill:
- Requires school districts seeking to participate in PAPPI to submit to the SBE for approval a principal autonomy proposal that:
- Identifies three schools that received at least two school grades of “D” or “F” during the previous three school years;
- Identifies three highly effective rated principals;
- Describes the areas in which increased autonomy is to be granted; and
- States measurable goals regarding student achievement and operational efficiency.
- Requires specified personnel from each participating school and district to enroll in and complete a nationally recognized school turnaround program upon acceptance into the pilot program.
- Requires the Legislature to provide an appropriation to the DOE for the costs of the pilot program in the amount of $100,000 per participating school district, and a $10,000 annual salary supplement for each of the three school principals from each of the participating school districts.
- Appropriates the sums of $700,000 in nonrecurring funds and $210,000 in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund to the DOE for implementation during the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
- Requires the following reporting process:
- Each participating district school board must submit an annual report to the SBE;
- SBE must submit an annual report on the implementation of the pilot program; and
- Upon completion of the pilot program, the Commissioner of Education must submit a report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives which provides a full evaluation of the effectiveness of the pilot program.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2016.
Vote: Senate 36-4; House 97-17