Bill > HB253

This bill establishes a public school open enrollment program that allows students to attend a school in a nonresident district, subject to certain limitations. Key provisions include: - The program aims to improve quality instructional and educational programs by providing opportunities like increasing parental involvement and access to programs not available in the resident district. - School districts can choose whether to participate in the program, and can restrict the number of transfer students up to 3% of the previous year's enrollment. - The bill sets requirements for the application process, including deadlines, priorities, and standards for accepting or rejecting applications. Factors like academic achievement, ability, and discipline cannot be considered. - The bill establishes a "Parent Public School Choice Fund" to provide transportation assistance and reimbursement for special education services for eligible transferring students. - The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is required to collect data, report on the program's effects, and audit participating districts. The program is set to begin in the 2024-25 school year.