Bill > S1390

This bill, titled the "Florida Innovation Schools Act," aims to create a new category of public schools called "innovation schools" that can earn flexibility from certain state regulations in exchange for demonstrating high academic achievement. Key provisions include granting these innovation schools the same ad valorem tax exemption (a property tax exemption) that charter schools currently receive, allowing school districts to apply to establish these schools if they meet specific criteria such as having a certain percentage of students in choice programs and maintaining good district grades, and limiting the number of innovation schools a district can operate based on its student enrollment. These schools will be exempt from most of chapters 1000-1013 of Florida Statutes, which cover various aspects of public education, but will still need to comply with laws related to student assessment, services for students with disabilities, civil rights, health and safety, and public meetings and records. The bill also outlines a process for applying for and maintaining a performance contract with the State Board of Education, which will monitor the schools' progress, and specifies how these schools will be funded through the Florida Education Finance Program, with the possibility of seeking additional funding.