The bill CS/CS/HB 1267 introduces a series of amendments to Florida's education laws aimed at enhancing governance, accountability, and support for students across both K-12 and higher education systems. Key provisions include establishing residency requirements for members of state university boards and the Board of Governors, revising term limits for the State Board of Education, and implementing financial disclosure requirements for certain Board of Governors members starting January 1, 2026. The bill also enhances district school boards' responsibilities regarding K-12 facilities, requiring public approval for proposals to eliminate or repurpose school centers, and mandates the implementation of an early warning system to identify students needing additional support. Additionally, it creates the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators Program to assist educators in rural communities with student loan repayment.
In the K-12 sector, the bill emphasizes early literacy and mathematics skills, mandating that school report cards include performance metrics and requiring timely communication of evaluation results to parents and teachers. It modifies the grading scale for schools, progressively increasing the percentage of points required for each grade from the 2027-2028 school year through the 2033-2034 school year. The bill also establishes a Special Facility Construction Account to provide funding for school districts facing urgent construction needs, with specific criteria for eligibility. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational outcomes, support systems, and infrastructure while addressing housing needs for essential personnel in Florida's education framework.
Statutes affected: H 1267 Filed: 1002.33, 1013.31
H 1267 c2: 1001.43, 1001.64, 1001.70, 1001.71, 1002.411, 1003.33, 1003.4201, 1004.098, 1004.89, 1013.62, 1013.64