Bill > S327

This bill aims to further narrow the achievement gap by introducing new provisions for identifying and supporting underperforming schools, as well as expanding public school choice through charter schools. It allows for schools to be designated as "priority schools" based on student performance data and other indicators, even before they are officially labeled as underperforming or chronically underperforming. For these priority schools, a comprehensive "priority plan" must be developed, which can include significant changes to curriculum, staffing, school day or year, and even modifications to collective bargaining agreements to improve student outcomes. The bill also modifies regulations regarding the number and operation of charter schools, including Horace Mann charter schools, and clarifies provisions for leasing or selling public school facilities to charter schools, prioritizing those with a demonstrated record of academic success.