Bill > H7083

This bill revises various provisions related to charter schools in Florida, aiming to streamline the application and contract process, clarify termination conditions, and adjust funding mechanisms. Key changes include requiring charter school applications to detail the school's mission, students served, curriculum focus, and instructional methods, with a specific emphasis on reading instruction grounded in scientifically based research and the encouragement of blended learning models that combine traditional and virtual instruction. The bill also updates the charter contract process, making it more standardized and providing clearer timelines for negotiation and approval, while also establishing clearer grounds for denying applications from high-performing charter schools and outlining procedures for appeals. Furthermore, it specifies conditions under which a virtual instruction provider's contract is automatically terminated, such as earning two consecutive "F" school grades, and revises eligibility criteria for receiving capital outlay funding, requiring an annual audit that does not reveal financial emergency conditions. The bill also allows for charter school systems to be designated as local educational agencies for federal funding purposes under certain conditions and permits entities operating charter school systems outside of Florida to apply for high-performing charter school system status in the state.